I always believed my children would inherit my picky palate. On our first date, my partner and I chose a diner based solely on their chicken fingers, as I knew they met my standards. I didn’t even try salad until I was in my early 20s! My first taste of a strawberry didn’t happen until 2009.
As time passed, I made an effort to broaden my culinary horizons, even revisiting foods I once deemed unappetizing. Now, as an adult, I consume a variety of foods from all five food groups—and occasionally enjoy them! The Brussels sprouts I’ve grown fond of would have sent my younger self running for the hills.
However, some things remain intolerable, no matter how much we mature. Grape-flavored liquid medicine is one such item. Even at 30, I can’t convince myself to swallow it, so I can’t blame my son for recoiling as though I were offering him poison for his cough.
When he was a baby, medicine administration was a breeze. I could simply lay him back, and his mouth would open wide for the syringe, making it easy to deliver the syrupy concoction they give infants.
But as he grew and gained independence, I had to change my tactics. Enter bribery—a strategy I never thought I’d resort to when I was dreaming of motherhood while pregnant with this little rascal. However, ensuring my child gets the proper care is just as important as any parental ideal. So, I found myself promising candy, screen time, and toys, all while juggling the three.
Eventually, I realized that kids are perpetually ill. I couldn’t drain our savings on medicines, sweets, and toys just to make him take a dose. Back to the drawing board I went.
I tried a firm approach: “You must take this medicine. You won’t leave this table until you do.” This led to a two-hour standoff with absolutely no success.
Next, I attempted a gentle approach: “Honey, this medicine is vital for you to feel better. Come sit with Mommy, and I’ll help you.” Sensing my unease, he scoffed and clamped his lips shut.
I even used deception: “This is just like liquid candy, buddy! So delicious! Full of sugar!” He wasn’t fooled—not one bit. It hardly seems fair that kids can outsmart their parents long before we hit midlife.
Stuck in a rut, I feared my son would never take his medicine, leading to sleepless nights as he woke up repeatedly with coughs or fevers. I could envision a future where I was the mother of a perpetually sick child with a constantly runny nose.
Then, I decided to get creative.
I set up the scene with a cookie, some juice, and his cup of medicine right in front of him. I leveled with him: “I know this medicine is yucky. It won’t taste good at all. But this juice is tasty, and this cookie is amazing, so we’re going to do this.”
Suddenly, I was transported back to high school, recalling parties where cheap booze tasted terrible. I’d always carry soda to wash it down when things got rough.
I began drumming my hands on the table, establishing a rhythm. He looked puzzled, but I encouraged him with a nod, and soon he joined in. Our drumming picked up speed, and we were laughing, yelling, and having a blast. I was pumping him up to face that medicine, preparing him to conquer it.
“Alright, buddy. Here’s the plan: you’re going to take that medicine like a champ, chug your juice, and finish off with the cookie. Then it’s done!”
Surprisingly, there was no resistance or fear—just a spirited child ready to follow my lead because I was being delightfully silly. I realize I might have inadvertently taught my three-year-old how to take a shot. But you know what? I’m okay with that. He downed his medicine, washed it down with juice, and devoured the cookie. Mission accomplished.
I can only hope that when he turns 21 and takes his first drink (his very first, of course), he’ll call for, “Juice and cookie, please.”
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Summary
In the quest to make medicine-taking easier for toddlers, creativity can triumph over traditional methods. By turning the experience into a fun and engaging activity, parents can successfully encourage their children to take their medicine without resistance. Embracing silliness and enthusiasm can make a world of difference in these challenging moments.