Have you had the joy of giving your kids medicine? Please tell me that I am not the only one that’s had it spit in my face, onto the floor, or hurled to the ceiling.
For years I struggled with giving Pea her twice daily doses of medicines to treat her Juvenile Arthritis. As little as she is (she’s fallen off the growth charts several times) she is a fighter. Seriously, she fights with every fiber of her being. To say she’s strong-willed is an understatement.
I used to cry as hard as she did when it was time to give her the medicine. It was traumatic for both of us.
Kids Medicine Hack FTW
This is one of my best parenting hacks EVER.
I figured out how to use her burgeoning independence to our mutual advantage. She would get the medicine and I would be spared the stress.
The magic key is the popsicle. This is actually why I make so many of my easy popsicle recipes. (In case you’re wondering, her favorite popsicle is the pineapple pop.)
I’ve been using popsicles as a chaser post-medication for months now. It’s a good incentive and Pea puts up far less of a fight than she used to–but it didn’t really lessen the frequency of her gag (puking in my face reflex).
Behold the greatest medicine tip for toddlers and preschoolers.
If her tongue is cold and numb before she takes the medication then she will barely taste it. Let’s call this the frozen tastebuds effect. (It really took me too long to figure this one out.)
First, I give her the popsicle a few mintes before it’s time for her medicine.
Then I stop her mid-popsicle, give her the dose, and she finishes the ice pop.
It seems to be working with equal results regardless of the medicine. It works with creamy antibiotics , capsules emptied into juice, and mostly works with prednisone (but nothing can completely overpower the nastiness that is liquid prednisone).
Pea administers the medication to herself once I measure out the dosage. I fill the syringe with the correct dosage while she continues eating her popsicle. I hand it to her, she depresses it in her mouth herself, then pops the popsicle back in her mouth!
Giving kids medicine doesn’t have to be a battle! If your child never has to take medicines (I am jealous) and good for you! If your child just takes them without a battle, then I guess my child really is a little devil diva.
Share this tip with anyone that has to give medicine to toddlers. I tell everyone. Random people in line at the pharmacy, random people that read my blog …. 😉
Here’s another tip: If you don’t have time to make popsicles (and I don’t always have time myself), check Ibotta before heading to the grocery store. Sometimes they have great rebates on them.
But if you do have time to make some fresh frozen fruits pops, do it! They are easy to make and are much healthier. Need some ideas?
Being a mom can be hard. I share little hacks to make caregiving and nurturing your children easier so that moms can spend less time doing the hard stuff and more time on themselves.
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Ale says
Hi. Does ice cream work? Have you tried?
Herchel says
I never tried ice cream because my daughter is allergic to dairy but I don’t see why it wouldn’t. The only thing I can think of that would make it less effective is ice cream’s tendency to melt quicker. The pops sit on the tongue longer.
Linda says
Oh I need to run to the store and buy some popsicles. I’ve never thought of it and I work in the pharmacy. My son fights with me every time I have to give him any kind of medicine to make him feel better. Thanks for tip!!
Sandy Sandmeyer says
Man, what a great idea! I wish I had had this suggestion when Tim was little. I think giving your child some control over the taking of the med by letting her administer her own medication is a great idea.
Sandy Sandmeyer recently posted…Prilosec OTC®
Herchel says
Control is how my daughter handles scary situations. When she gets her blood drawn she picks her phlebotomist (always picks the same guy bc he can draw blood from her with one stick), and when she gets to control that one thing about her situation, she doesn’t freak out as much.
Kim Miller says
BRILLIANT!!! I am sharing this everywhere. Good for picky kids too, even if they are old!
Kim Miller recently posted…Superbowl Sunday
Herchel says
Thank you Kim! I need to buy stock in popsicles the way we go through them!
Katelyn says
Oh, and thanks for linking up to the How do you do it? parenting link up!
Katelyn recently posted…What’s up Fagans? Fridays
Katelyn says
Great idea! My kids don’t have any problems taking medicine. In fact, they rather LIKE it! Ha. But, I love the frozen tongue thing. So funny! Definitely a great idea!
Katelyn recently posted…What’s up Fagans? Fridays
Jhanis says
You are a GENIUS. I will remember this next time!
Jhanis recently posted…Dear Santa
Tammy Doiel @creativekkids.com says
Thanks for this good tip! Thanks also for linking up at the Bloggers Brags Pinterest Party. I pinned this to the Bloggers Brags Pinterest Board.
Tammy Doiel @creativekkids.com recently posted…Bloggers Brags Weekly Pinterest Party, Week 3
Herchel says
Thank you Tammy!
Rabia @TheLiebers says
O.M.G. prednisone is of the devil!!! Both of my boys have had to take it multiple times before and I would rather be be tarred and feathered than have to go through that again. I’ll try a popsicle if I do, though!
Rabia @TheLiebers recently posted…Ozeri 10′ Stainless Steel Earth Pan {Review}
Herchel says
My daughters temper already gets the best of her but when she’s on prednisone it’s like a whole new level of rage 🙁
Tara @ SecretsofaMomaholic.com says
Ingenius! My 6 year old gags- HATES meds. Definitely trying this!
Tara @ SecretsofaMomaholic.com recently posted…Yummy Mummy Marshmallow Treat
Herchel says
Let me know if it works for you!
corlie says
This is a very good idea! I will file this one away for future use for sure!
I am visiting from SITS, thanks for sharing!
Corlie
corlie recently posted…Finding peace in China
Herchel says
Thanks for stopping by Corlie!
Shana Norris says
My daughter and I read a book last month about a girl who had JRA (fiction.) It was called My Brother Made Me Do It, by Peg Kehret. Until then, we’d never heard of JRA. Thanks for sharing this info.
Shana Norris recently posted…This Moment :: October 25, 2013
Herchel says
I’ve actually never read her any books dealing with it. I’m struggling to get her to understand that she can’t pretend to be in more pain to get her way.
thedoseofreality says
This is GENIUS!! Oh my Gosh, the next time either of my girls need medicine I am totally trying this trick! :)-Ashley
thedoseofreality recently posted…Pinterest Nightmare #488: Baby Bangs
Herchel says
Thank you! It took me only about two years of having her spit her meds out in my face every day for me to figure this one out :).
I now buy the boxes of Popsicles from SAMs club.