As a parent, you know the challenges of getting your little ones to take their medicine. It seems like every night is a battle trying to get them to take the tiniest amount of cough syrup or whatever other medication a doctor prescribes. Even Wellements organic remedies cannot resolve the protest. What can you do? How can you get your little one to cooperate, so they don’t get sicker?
Why Does My Child Have Trouble Taking Medicine?
The primary reason kids give for why they don’t like taking medicine is the taste, and who can blame them? Medicine is not exactly designed to excite the tastebuds. Many medications, including over-the-counter options, have a bitter taste. Even when a medicine tastes good initially, the aftertaste is often enough to send a shiver down your spine.
As soon as your little one knows they don’t like the flavor or aftertaste of a product, they will usually refuse to take it. Thankfully, there are some straightforward methods to encouraging your child to take their medicine.
1. Explain the Benefits of Medicine to Your Child
Children are not stupid. While they do not have as much experience on this earth, they are smart enough to know when they don’t like something. If you want to convince your child to get past the taste and take their medicine, explain its benefits. For example, if your child hates the taste of cough medicine, tell them it will help them stop coughing and make their throat feel better.
2. Give Little Ones Some Control
Sometimes, your child doesn’t like taking medicine because they feel like they are being forced into it. As a parent, you cannot allow your baby coughing at night; you need to give them medicine to help. However, even if your child has no choice in taking the medication, you can give them some control over the process. For example, ask them if they want a pill or liquid form. If they choose a pill, you can ask them if they want to take it with water or juice. If they choose a liquid form, you can ask them when they want to take it, in the morning or the evening, before bed or after dinner.
3. Slow Down the Delivery
There is no rule that your child has to down the entire dose of cough syrup in one swig. Some kids tolerate the medicine better when they are allowed to pace the delivery. For example, if the dosage suggestion is 20 ml, divide it into four 5 ml swigs. In between the mini doses, allow your little one to take a drink of water or juice.
4. Establish a Routine
Children thrive on routines. The best way to give medicine is to make it a part of their routine. Many parents find it is best to give medicine after dinner and before bed. You could incorporate it into their bedtime routine before they brush their teeth. The main thing is to remain consistent. If a child knows what to expect, they are less likely to resist.
If your child has a cough, consider using Wellements cough syrup baby product. However, before giving your child any remedies or OTC products, consult their doctor.
