Parenting
Getting My Toddler to Take Their Medicine Without a Meltdown
by Emma Carter
Updated: November 19, 2016
Originally Published: Oct. 31, 2008
I always thought that picky taste buds were something I’d pass down to my kids. When my partner and I went on our first date, I insisted on a diner that served chicken fingers I knew I could tolerate. I didn’t even try salad until my 20s and I first tasted a strawberry in 2009.
Over time, I’ve made an effort to expand my palate, even giving second chances to foods I once deemed disgusting. Now, I’m a grown woman who enjoys a variety of foods, including the Brussels sprouts I used to detest. Yet, some things never change—like the struggle to swallow grape-flavored liquid medicine. Even at 30, I can’t stomach it, so I completely understand my son’s reaction when I offer him a dose that he perceives as poison.
When he was a baby, giving him medicine was a breeze. I’d lay him back, pop a syringe in, and administer the syrupy concoction with ease. As he grew and gained control over his limbs, however, I quickly realized I needed a new approach: bribery. I never imagined I’d be that parent, but desperate times call for desperate measures. Promises of candy, screen time, and toys soon became part of my daily repertoire.
Unfortunately, I discovered that kids seem to be perpetually sick. It was clear I couldn’t empty my wallet on medicine and treats every time. So, I had to rethink my strategy. I tried being strict: “You have to take this medicine; you’re not leaving the table until you do.” This led to an epic two-hour standoff with nothing accomplished.
Then I attempted a softer approach: “Sweetheart, this medicine is important. Let’s sit on Mommy’s lap.” He sensed my vulnerability, scoffed, and clamped his mouth shut. I even tried deceit: “This stuff is like liquid candy, trust me!” But he was way too clever for that. Seriously, how do kids become so wise before we even hit middle age?
In a moment of desperation, I got creative. I sat him down with a cookie, juice, and his medicine. “Look, I know this medicine is yucky,” I said, “but this juice is delicious, and this cookie is awesome. We can do this together!”
I felt like I was back in high school, remembering how we’d mask the taste of cheap liquor with soda. My hands began to beat a rhythm on the table. He looked confused, but with an encouraging nod, he joined in. We drummed faster, laughing and making noise, which got him hyped up for that awful medicine.
“Okay, buddy, here’s the plan: you’ll down the medicine, chug your juice, and then devour the cookie. Easy-peasy!”
There was no fight, no fear—just a kid eager to follow his goofy mom’s lead. I was aware I might have inadvertently taught him how to take a shot at three, but you know what? It worked! He knocked back the medicine like a champ, followed it with juice, and stuffed the cookie in his mouth. And just like that, it was over.
I can only hope that when he turns 21 and takes his first legal drink (his first drink, I swear), he’ll call out to the bartender, “Juice and cookie, please!”
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Summary:
Getting a toddler to take medicine can be a daunting task. After struggling with strictness and gentleness, I discovered that engaging my son in a playful drumming session helped him take his medicine without a fuss. With a cookie and juice as incentives, we turned the experience into a fun activity, proving that creativity can be key in parenting challenges.
Keyphrase: toddler medicine tips
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