I always thought my kids would inherit my picky palate. When my partner and I first started dating, I insisted on visiting a diner where I was sure the chicken fingers would be satisfactory. Believe it or not, I didn’t even try salad until my early twenties, and my first encounter with a strawberry didn’t happen until 2009.
Eventually, I became more adventurous with food, even revisiting items I once deemed unpalatable. Now, as an adult, I enjoy a variety of foods from all five food groups—even Brussels sprouts, which I once would have avoided at all costs. But there are still a few things that remain challenging, like grape-flavored liquid medicine. I can’t bring myself to swallow it, so I completely understand my toddler’s reaction when I offer it to him; he acts like I’m trying to poison him.
When he was a baby, giving him medicine was straightforward. Just lay him back, pop in a syringe, and administer the syrupy concoction that was supposedly beneficial. But as he grew and discovered his own will, I had to rethink my approach. I never imagined I would resort to bribery, but life as a parent requires flexibility. I started offering him candy, extra screen time, and toys, sometimes all at once.
However, I quickly realized that kids get sick a lot, and I couldn’t afford to spend all my savings on medicine and treats. Back to square one. I tried being authoritative: “You must take your medicine. You’re not leaving this table until you do.” That led to a long and fruitless standoff, where we both just sat there with nothing accomplished for nearly two hours.
Then I attempted a gentler approach. “Sweetheart, this medicine can help you feel better. Come sit on my lap, and we’ll get through this together.” But my child saw right through my softness, scoffing and clenching his lips shut.
I even resorted to deception: “This is like liquid candy! So yummy!” He wasn’t buying it. It’s baffling how clever kids can be, especially when you’re not ready for it.
Feeling utterly defeated, I feared my son would never take his medicine and that sleepless nights would become our new normal. I envisioned a future where my child was perpetually sick, his nose a constant stream of mucus.
Then, I decided to get creative. I sat him down with a cookie, some juice, and the dreaded cup of medicine. I laid it all out honestly: “This medicine is not going to taste good, but this juice is delicious, and this cookie is fantastic. We’re going to do this together.”
The memory of high school parties flooded back to me, where cheap alcohol was often the only option. I would keep soda on hand to wash down the unpleasant flavors.
I started tapping my hands on the table, creating a rhythm. He looked puzzled, but I gave him a nod that said, “Let’s do this.” He joined in, and soon we were drumming faster, laughing, and yelling. I was hyping him up for that nasty medicine, preparing him to tackle it head-on.
“Alright, buddy! Three tasks: down the medicine, chug the juice, and devour the cookie. Then it’s all over!”
To my surprise, there was no fight. Just a spirited child ready to follow my lead because I was acting quirky. I may have inadvertently taught my kid how to take a shot at three years old, but you know what? I’m okay with that. He downed the medicine, chased it with juice, and munched on the cookie. Success!
Now, as I think about his 21st birthday, I can only hope he’ll request, “Juice and a cookie, please.”
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Summary:
Getting toddlers to take their medicine can be a daunting task. A mix of creativity and playful strategies can help ease the process. By turning it into a fun activity with some encouragement and treats, parents can successfully get their little ones to take the medicine they need.