When Medicine Needs More Than a Spoonful of Sugar

(NewsUSA) - At some point, every parent must administer medicine to their child. However, the process is often met by strong resistance. For parents with children battling cancer, administering lifesaving medications can become especially problematic.

"She [my child] hates the medication we have to give to her daily," wrote one mother on the National Children's Cancer Society's Web site, www.children-cancer.org. "She will not swallow the pills. Crushing them tastes awful and to give liquid is almost impossible."

Why do children refuse medicine? No one can deny that medicines -; even the ones that come in fruity flavors -; taste less than wonderful. But seriously ill children also feel scared and out of control, so many refuse medicine as a way of self-assertion.

Parents need not despair. Here are some tips they can follow to make the situation less stressful and hopefully free from tears and tantrums:

- Give them an "out." If your child starts becoming combative during a medication session, allow them to take a short break -; approximately five minutes -; to regroup both physically and mentally before trying again.

- Make the medicine taste better. As long as your doctor gives you permission, feel free to disguise the taste of medicine with syrups or sauces. You can try dipping a spoon in chocolate or caramel, then filling it with medicine. Some parents suggest putting the crushed medicine in a dollop of pudding, ice cream, frosting, apple sauce or jam.

- Give your child a choice. Letting your child control one aspect of the situation can make her a more willing participant. Offering a simple choice, like "Do you want to drink orange juice or grape juice with your medicine?" can make children feel more at ease.

- Create a "medicine schedule." Choose a specific time and place for your child to take his or her medication. Make a "medicine chart" and let your child fill in the chart with a sticker every time the medicine is taken.

- Play doctor. Your child can pretend that they are the doctor and help prepare and administer the medications. This will help them to understand the process better while also turning medication sessions into fun, playful experiences.

For more information, visit www.children-cancer.org.

"Article By: NewsUSA"