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My Child Won’t Take Medicine!

Picture the scene: you’re armed with a spoonful of medicine, and your child is stubbornly refusing to take it. If your child won’t take medicine, rest assured you’re not alone. Many parents of neurodivergent kids and kids with thinking and learning differences face this challenge. In this blog post, we’ll explore practical strategies and tips to help your child overcome their aversion to medication, making life easier for both of you. Plus, we’ll discuss how Goally can support you in this journey.

Understanding the Reasons Behind the Resistance

Before tackling the issue, it’s essential to understand why your child won’t take medicine. Common reasons include taste, texture, fear of side effects, or difficulty swallowing. Identifying the root cause will help you tailor your approach and increase the chances of success.

Taste and Texture

One of the main reasons kids refuse medicine is because of its taste or texture.

Here are some ways to address these concerns:

  • Mask the taste: Mix the medicine with a small amount of a strong-flavored food or drink, such as chocolate syrup or fruit juice. Always check with your pharmacist first to ensure compatibility.
  • Change the form: Ask your pharmacist if the medication is available in a different form, such as a chewable tablet, liquid, or dissolvable strip.
  • Use a medicine dispenser: Specialized dispensers, like oral syringes or medicine spoons, can help bypass the taste buds and make the process smoother.

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Fear of Side Effects

Another reason your child won’t take medicine could be fear of side effects.

Here’s how to address their concerns:

  • Explain the benefits: Help your child understand the importance of taking their medication and how it will improve their health or well-being.
  • Address concerns: If your child is going to worry about side effects, reassure them that you’ll monitor their response and communicate with their healthcare provider if needed.
child won't take medicine. A boy drinks milk from a cup.

Difficulty Swallowing

Swallowing issues can also contribute to your child’s resistance to medication.

Here are some tips to help them overcome this challenge:

  • Practice with small, soft foods: Encourage your child to practice swallowing small bites of soft foods, like applesauce or yogurt, to build confidence.
  • Try different positions: Experiment with various head positions, such as chin down or head tilted back, to find what works best for your child.
Read More: Autistic Medication for Kids

Creating a Positive Environment

Creating a calm and supportive atmosphere can make a significant difference when it comes to administering medication.

Here are some tips for setting the stage for success:

  • Stay calm and patient: Your child may pick up on your stress or frustration, making the situation more challenging. Take a deep breath and approach the task with a positive attitude.
  • Offer choices: Empower your child by giving them options, such as choosing the flavor of the medicine or deciding when to take it (within the prescribed timeframe).
  • Use positive reinforcement: Praise your child for their efforts and consider offering a small reward, like a sticker or extra screen time, for successfully taking their medicine.
  • Establish a routine: Consistency can help reduce anxiety and make the process more predictable for your child. Goally can help you create and maintain a routine that includes medication administration.

Collaborating with Healthcare Professionals

Don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s healthcare team for guidance and support. They can offer valuable insights and may suggest alternative treatments or medication forms that better suit your child’s needs.

Ask for Help

Consulting with healthcare professionals can provide valuable insights and assistance:

  • Consult your child’s doctor or pharmacist for advice on overcoming medication resistance.
  • Seek guidance from a therapist or counselor who specializes in working with neurodivergent kids and kids with thinking and learning differences.
child won't take medicine. A kid eats an orange.

Consider Alternative Treatments

Alternative treatments or therapies might be an option for your child.

However, always talk with a healthcare professional before making changes to your child’s treatment plan:

  • Discuss the possibility of alternative treatments or therapies with your child’s healthcare provider, such as behavioral therapy, dietary changes, or supplements.
  • Keep in mind that not all alternative treatments are evidence-based or appropriate for every child.

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Wrapping Up

When your child won’t take medicine, it can be a frustrating and challenging experience. By understanding the reasons behind their resistance, creating a positive environment, and collaborating with healthcare professionals, you can help your child overcome their aversion to medication. Remember, patience and persistence are key. With time and effort, you can help your child develop a healthier relationship with their medicine and improve their overall well-being. Goally is here to support you and your child throughout this journey, providing tools and resources to help you both succeed.

FAQs About My Child Won’t Take Medicine

Why do some children refuse to take medicine?
Children may refuse to take medicine due to its unfamiliar taste, texture, or anxiety related to swallowing pills. Providing flavored options or using a rewards system may help.
How can parents make medicine more palatable for children?
Mixing the medicine with a favorite food or drink, or choosing a flavored medicine when available, can make it more appealing. Always follow the pharmacist's instructions to ensure it's safe to mix.
Are there tools to help children swallow pills?
Yes, pill swallowing aids like special cups or tools that change the pill's texture are available. You can also consult with a pharmacist or pediatrician for personalized advice.
What can parents do if a child refuses medicine even after trying different techniques?
If a child refuses medicine, consult a healthcare provider. They can offer specific strategies tailored to your child's needs or prescribe an alternative medication.
Is using rewards to encourage children to take their medicine safe?
Using rewards like stickers or extra playtime can be an effective and safe method to encourage children to take medicine, as long as the rewards are appropriate and balanced. Always align the rewards with the child's age and interests.

This post was originally published on 05/12/2023. It was updated on 08/04/2023.

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