2 Year Old Won't Take Medicine For Fever
When your child has a fever, giving them medicine is often the first step in relieving their symptoms. However, if your 2-year-old refuses to take their medicine, it can be a frustrating and stressful experience. Here are some tips on how to make the process easier for both you and your child.
Understand why your child is refusing
There are many reasons why a 2-year-old might refuse to take medicine, including:
- The medicine tastes bad
- The medicine is hard to swallow
- Your child might be afraid of the medicine or the process of taking it
- Your child might not understand why they need to take the medicine
Understanding why your child is refusing can help you find a solution that works for both of you.
Make the medicine taste better
If your child is refusing medicine because of the taste, there are several things you can do to make it more palatable:
- Ask the pharmacist if the medicine can be flavored
- Offer your child a favorite drink or food after taking the medicine to help mask the taste
- Use a medicine dispenser that makes it easier for your child to swallow the medicine without tasting it
- Crush the medicine and mix it with a small amount of food, such as applesauce or yogurt, to help mask the taste
Make it easier to swallow
If your child is having trouble swallowing the medicine, there are several things you can do to make it easier:
- Use a medicine dispenser that is designed to make it easier for children to swallow
- Offer your child a small sip of water before and after taking the medicine
- Try giving the medicine with a soft food, such as pudding or ice cream, to make it go down easier
Use positive reinforcement
If your child is afraid of the medicine or the process of taking it, using positive reinforcement can help:
- Praise your child for being brave
- Offer a small reward, such as a sticker or a favorite activity, after taking the medicine
- Make taking medicine a fun activity by playing a game or singing a song while doing it
Explain why the medicine is important
If your child doesn't understand why they need to take the medicine, explaining it to them in simple terms can help:
- Explain that the medicine will help them feel better
- Use visual aids, such as pictures or videos, to help them understand
- Answer any questions they might have about the medicine
Conclusion
Dealing with a 2-year-old who won't take medicine for a fever can be a challenge, but with a little patience and creativity, you can make the process easier for both of you. By understanding why your child is refusing and using some of the tips outlined above, you can help your child get the medicine they need to feel better.
