No wonder your little one doesn’t like the taste of medicine, you hated it too when you were young! In addition to the not-so-appealing taste of most medications, anyone feeling sick simply has no taste buds and no appetite for much of anything.

But sick children need to take the medicines recommended by the doctor to get better, so here are some effective tips and tricks for successfully giving your child medicine:

provide options

Young people tend to lose control of themselves, especially when they’re not feeling well, so it’s extremely helpful to guide them and provide them with options at every step toward recovery.

When it’s time to take a medication, present them with different options that will make them feel in control: how they take it (from a cup or syringe, with your help or on their own), when they take it (before or after their sponge bath ) and where they do it (sitting in bed, on the couch watching TV, or in the game room).

Just be sure to supervise them if they decide to take it themselves!

give it the right way

Children often hate taking medicine because of the taste, but sometimes the way it’s given is a big reason, too. They tend to choke or vomit, so make sure the medicine is given in amounts the child can swallow correctly (divide larger doses, especially thick medicine, into smaller parts).

For babies, do not spray the medicine directly down the throat. Instead, spray it on the underside of the cheek, waiting for them to swallow before spraying more. Always administer the medication in a sitting or upright position!

Always have a positive approach

A child needs to understand that taking medication is not a punishment, so always approach it with a positive attitude. Don’t forget to praise her if she took it without a fight!

give rewards

If you really have a hard time giving your little one medicine, put together a box of small treats (small toys, stickers, etc.) where they can choose what they want after taking the medicine. Young children are motivated by rewards and incentives, plus your sick little one deserves a little fun!

Explain why it is important

Younger children won’t understand this, but you can explain why taking medicine is important for school-age children. Let them know that the sooner they take it, the sooner they will improve and be able to play!

Try these stress-free tips for successfully giving your child medication!