7 Strategies for Administering Medicine to Resistant Children
Administering medicine to resistant children can be a daunting task for any caregiver. This article provides effective strategies, with insights from experts in the field, to help ease this challenging process. Learn how to stay calm, create a playful experience, and more to ensure your child's cooperation.
- Stay Calm and Patient
- Give the Illusion of Control
- Create a Playful Experience
- Use Rewards for Cooperation
- Establish a Consistent Routine
- Consult a Doctor for Alternatives
- Disguise Medicine in Food
Stay Calm and Patient
Tips for Administering Medicine to a Resistant Child: As a neonatologist and pediatrician, I understand that giving medicine to a child who is resistant can be a challenge. Below are strategies that can make the process easier for both the child and the parent: Stay Calm and Patient: Children are highly sensitive to parental emotions. If you are calm and patient, your child is more likely to stay calm as well. Avoid expressing frustration, as it can heighten resistance. Involve the Child in the Process: Allow the child to hold the medicine bottle or choose the flavor of the medicine. This sense of control can reduce anxiety and resistance. Studies show that involving children in their medical care leads to better cooperation and a more positive experience. Use Distraction Techniques: Distract the child with their favorite TV show, a game, or a book. This helps shift their focus away from the act of taking medicine. Research published in the Journal of Pediatric Health Care shows that children who were distracted during medical procedures had a lower stress response. Explain the Benefits: Use a calm, encouraging tone to explain why the medicine is important and how it will help them feel better. Understanding the purpose of the medicine can help alleviate fear and resistance. Provide Positive Reinforcement: Offer a small reward, such as a treat or praise, after the child takes the medicine. This can reinforce positive behavior and make future medicine times easier. By creating a positive and calm environment, offering choices, and using distractions, you can make administering medicine a more manageable task for both you and your child.
Give the Illusion of Control
As a pharmacist, I recommend parents give the illusion of control.
Kids hate feeling forced.
Instead of saying, "Take your medicine now," try:
"Do you want to take it with a spoon or a syringe?"
"Would you like to chase it with juice or yogurt?"
"Do you want to take it before or after your favorite show?"
By letting them decide something, they feel in charge--even though the outcome (i.e., taking the medicine) is still the same.
Bonus Hacks:
-Chill It - Some meds taste better cold
-Mix Wisely - Some meds can be hidden in applesauce, jam or evaporated milk- Ask the child what they want to try today?
-Role Play - Let them give medicine to a doll first.
-Reverse Psychology - "This is just for big kids... oh wait, are you big enough?"
Create a Playful Experience
One way to make medicine time less stressful for children is by creating a playful, positive experience. Children are more likely to cooperate when they are having fun and feel at ease. Engaging them in a game or using their favorite toys can redirect their focus from the medicine. By turning medication time into a happy moment, the chances of successful administration increase significantly.
Try to incorporate their interests to make it enjoyable and less daunting. Make medicine time fun and see the positive change.
Use Rewards for Cooperation
Using rewards for successful medicine intake can be an effective strategy. This can motivate resistant children to take their medicine as they look forward to positive outcomes. Offering small incentives, such as stickers or a special activity, can make a big difference. It's important to praise and reinforce their cooperation to build a positive association with taking medicine.
Consistent rewards can lead to improved compliance over time. Encourage your child today with a reward-based approach.
Establish a Consistent Routine
Establishing a consistent medication routine can help children understand and accept their medicine schedule. Routine brings a sense of predictability and security, making it easier for children to accept taking their medicine. Setting a specific time each day for medication can reduce the resistance over time. Moreover, explaining the importance of the medicine in simple terms can help them understand.
Consistency is key to developing a regular habit. Start a routine today for smoother medicine times.
Consult a Doctor for Alternatives
Consulting a doctor about alternative forms of medicine can provide a solution for resistant children. Some children may find certain forms of medicine, such as pills, difficult to swallow. Doctors can recommend different options, like liquids or chewables, which may be easier for the child to take. It's crucial to have a professional's opinion to ensure the medicine's effectiveness isn't compromised.
Alternative forms can significantly reduce the struggle. Seek professional advice to explore these options.
Disguise Medicine in Food
Disguising the medicine in a small amount of food is another useful strategy. This method can be particularly effective if the child is resistant due to the taste or texture of the medicine. Mixing the medicine with a favorite food can mask the undesirable aspects and make intake more pleasant. It's important to ensure that the medicine retains its efficacy when mixed with food.
This approach can turn medicine time into a positive experience. Try disguising medicine to ease the process.