How To Give Medicine To Your Child

Giving medicine to your child can be difficult at times. Here are some tips so that taking medicine will be enjoyable for your child.

1. Make it fun!
* Before she takes her medicine, give her a cold drink, ice cream, ice chips or flavored ice lolly. Cold temperatures can numb the taste buds. Medicine can also be chilled but don't forget to take note of the required storage temperature.
* Pretend giving the medicine to her favorite stuffed toy first.
* Cover up the bad taste of the medicine by giving a spoonful of sugar-free peanut butter, chocolate syrup or jam. You can also give your child juice or crackers after taking the medicine.

2. Proper way to give medicine:
* You can use pacifier medicine dispenser, dose cup or syringe when giving medicine to your child.
* A safer way to give liquid medicine to your child is to hold her in a seated position on your lap.
* Read the information written on the medicine's bottle or box first before giving the medicine.
* Always follow your doctor's instructions.

3. TLC Approach:
* Allow her to take charge. - Let her decide what she wants to drink afterwards. You can also ask her where and how she wants to take it ( in one big gulp or with baby amounts).
* Give "window" time. - Don't force medicine to your child when she's upset. Divert her attention to something fun and then offer to the child after 1 hour when she feels better.
* Reward your child. - Give her a sticker of her favorite cartoon after she takes her medicine.
* Make it a family affair. - If your other child is taking medicine also, you can encourage them to race. The first one to finish gets a prize.
* Be honest to your child. Tell her the importance of taking medicine.

credit: gsk