Giving Meds to Kids? Read This First!

Giving your child medication can be tricky! As a parent, you want to make sure you're doing it safely and effectively. Here are some tips to help:

Know the Medication

- Always read the label and follow the directions. Don't guess - check with the doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

- Understand what the medication is for, how much to give, when to give it, and potential side effects. Ask the doctor to explain anything that's unclear.

Use Proper Equipment

- Use the dosing device that comes with the medication. Kitchen spoons aren't accurate enough.

- For liquid medicine, use a calibrated medicine cup, dropper, or oral syringe to measure the dose. Make sure you can read the measurements clearly.

Have a Routine

- Give medication on a consistent schedule and follow the prescribed duration. Set a timer or alert.

- Make it part of your daily habit. Take it at mealtimes or tie it to activities like brushing teeth.

Make it Easy

- Store medication out of reach of children but easy for you to access. Consider a locked box.

- If you'll be out, prepare doses ahead of time in labeled containers. Bring all necessary supplies.

Involve Your Child

- Explain why they need to take medicine in simple terms. Encourage questions.

- Give some responsibility if age-appropriate, like holding the cup or water. Praise cooperation.

Stay Calm

- Don't force it. Stay positive and patient. Offer rewards like stickers.

- If refused or spit out, talk through concerns. Don't reprimand. Call the doctor if it's ongoing.

Take Safety Precautions

- Double check the dose before giving. Make sure it's the right med, child, time, and amount.

- Store in childproof containers up and away after each use. Never call it candy.

- Post the Poison Help number 1-800-222-1222. This is a national number that automatically routes calls to the poison control center nearest to the caller. Call if concerned about accidental ingestion.

Giving medication to kids can be challenging, but sticking to a routine and using proper tools and techniques can help the process go smoothly. Let me know if you have any other tips for success!

Reference: Anderson, C.E., Herring, R.A. (2022). Chapter 20: Pediatric nursing interventions and skills. In M.J. Hockenberry, C.C. Rodgers, D. Wilson (Eds.), Wong’s essentials of pediatric nursing (11th ed., pp. 551-618). St. Louis: Elsevier.