Check out our previous post with 10 Medicine-Time Tips and Tricks of the Trade, and find 10 more tips and tricks below!
1. Make it a routine- Create a daily schedule that includes medicine time. Giving medicine at the same time and place every day is more predictable and allows your child to be prepared for what is expected.
2. Put child in a comfortable place- Whether it is in your arms, on a comfortable chair, or a favorite room in the house, be sure your child feels safe and secure. Taking medicine can feel unfamiliar and scary.
3. Take medications together- If you take a daily medication or vitamin, make it a shared experience with your child. You can be a role model for positive medicine taking behavior.
4. Explain, explain, explain- In simple language that your child will understand, explain why the child needs to take the medicine, how the medicine will help, and what would be the consequences of not taking the medication. Answer questions, promote understanding, alleviate fears.
5. If child is refusing, find out why- Listen to your child’s feelings about taking medicine and find out why they won’t take their medicine. Often simply being heard is enough to make a child less resistant and more cooperative.
6. Pair a difficult task with a favorite activity – Play a child’s favorite song, allow them to watch their favorite TV show, or hold their favorite toy as you administer the medication. Sometimes the comfort of what is familiar is enough of a distraction from the unpleasant task at hand.
7. Let another adult take over- If your child battles with you too much, perhaps they will be calmer and more cooperative with someone else. Have someone else administer the medication- this will be less stressful for you and your child.
8. Do not refer to the medicine as candy- Be upfront and honest. Do not try to trick or deceive them, simply reiterate that taking medicine is non-negotiable for their health.
9. Stay calm and be firm- Speak in a calm soft voice and remember to maintain a positive attitude and facial expression. Your child will be able to read your tone and face if you are getting frustrated which in turn makes them more frustrated.
10. Try another formulation- If all else fails, contact your doctor or pharmacist and explain your struggle. Perhaps the prescriber can write for a different form of the medication (ex. oral tablet, capsule, chewable, or suppository) or even a different but comparable medication that is given less frequently or in smaller amounts.
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Read More: 10 Medicine-Time Tips and Tricks of the Trade (Part 1)
The post 10 More Medicine-Time Tips and Tricks of the Trade appeared first on FLAVORx, Inc..
