Sometimes it is just possible to get a really sick kid. Like a kid with cancer. In this type of case getting your child to take his or her medicine can become a matter of life or death. Even getting a child to take medicine for a cold can be a challenge so medicines for serious disorders like cancer can be even tougher. Sometimes missing one antibiotic dose can make even a simple bronchitis case much worse so it is crucial to know how to convince your kids to take their meds.
On the web site for the National Children's Cancer Society there is a lot of advice on how to get sick kids to take unpleasant medications – especially the life saving ones. Often it is not even the taste of the medication. Sometimes the kid is just defiant because they are at an age where they do not like to be forced to do anything.
Sometimes too it is that they just don't like swallowing pills. Many kids have a fear of choking – a psychological phobia about getting the pill stuck in their throat. Some pain killers like oxycontin are toxic if you crush them. Be very sure to check with your doctor before crushing a pill and giving it to a kid.
One thing you can do is offer the child some other type of food with the medicine. Give the child a choice. Say something like – 'would you like tangerine juice or grape juice with your your medicine.' It makes the kid feel more like they are in control.
If there is a way to make the medication taste better do it. Make sure it is okay with your doctor first. Sometimes you can disguise liquid or powder medications by dipping the spoon into strawberry or chocolate syrup first.
It's also a good idea to establish a routine with your kids about medication. Don't shock or surprise him or her with it. With every dose have them put a sticker up, like a gold star, on a calendar. Try to turn it into a bit of a game. Make the point of the game to reach the end of the medication taking. This helps them feel a sense of achievement for taking the meds. This is a trick too recommended by the Cancer society to help your kid take his or her meds.
The biggest challenge is not to make it into a battle. Give the kids an out. If your child starts becoming angry and combative then allow them to take a bit of a break from you. Let your child have his or her own way every now and then especially if the child is not feeling well at all. This lets him or her feel more in control.