How to get your child to take medicine: our 10 top tips!

Written by Claire Burgess, Family Consultant

Getting your child to take medication can be a daunting task, especially when they’re resistant to it. Whether it’s for a common cold, an ear infection, or a chronic condition, the struggle is real for many parents. The good news is that you can make the process smoother and less stressful with a few strategies that work for young children.

Here are some tips and techniques to help:

1. Make it taste better (if possible)
Many medications, especially liquid ones, have an unpleasant taste that make children want to refuse. If the medicine can be mixed with a small amount of food or drink (like apple puree, juice, or a smoothie), this can make it easier for your child to take. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor first to ensure it's safe to mix the medication with other foods or liquids.

If mixing isn't an option, you can try:

• Chilling the medicine in the fridge (sometimes cold can dull the taste).

• Using syringe or dropper that can help make the process feel more like a game than a chore.

2. Make it a fun game or challenge
Children love a good game, so why not make taking their medicine a fun challenge? For younger kids, you can turn it into a pretend play activity by pretending the medicine is “magic juice” that will help them feel better. You could also play a “who can take it the fastest?” game, or have a reward system (like stickers or a small treat) after they take the medicine.

For example:

• “Let's pretend this is a superhero potion that gives you super strength!”

• “How quickly can we get the medicine disappear?”

Think about using role play to help.  This might be that you set up the play as doctors, with the teddies, toys etc being the patients.  Imagine with your little one that the teddies need to have medicine and you can then role model, through play, what you might say to the teddy (your child) when administering medication so that this is something familiar.  This will also help your child to work through any worries that they might have through their play and you can then offer the reassurance.

The key is to frame the experience positively and make it playful, so your child doesn’t feel forced into it. 

Toddler taking teddy’s temperature

3. Offer choices (when possible)
Giving your child some control over the process can help them feel empowered and less resistant. You might offer them choices, like:

• “Would you like to take the medicine with the pink cup or the blue one?”

• “Do you want to take it now or in five minutes?”

This can give your child a sense of control and make them feel more involved in the process rather than like they’re being forced into something they don’t want to do.

4. Use positive reinforcement
Praise goes a long way in encouraging good behaviour, especially with young children. After your child takes their medicine, celebrate their success with enthusiasm. Be specific with your praise to reinforce the behaviour you want to see.

For example:

• “Wow, you took your medicine all by yourself! I’m so proud of you!”

• “You were so brave! That medicine is going to help you feel better really soon!”

Positive reinforcement can motivate your child to take their medicine the next time without as much resistance.

5. Involve them in the process
Sometimes, involving your child in the ‘ritual’ of taking medicine can make the experience feel less threatening. For instance, let them help you open the medicine bottle, pour the liquid, or shake it up. You can also involve them by showing them the measuring spoon or syringe and explaining how it works.

This can help demystify the process and make your child feel like they are in control of the situation.

 It goes without saying, but please do remember to always keep medication out of children’s reach.

 6. Model calmness and patience
Children are very attuned to their parents’ emotions. If you’re feeling stressed, frustrated, or anxious about giving your child their medication, your child might pick up on these feelings and mirror them. It's important to remain calm, even if your child is resistant. Show them that taking medicine is a normal, calm, and routine part of life.

Use a soothing tone and keep your body language relaxed. Sometimes, your calm approach will reassure your child and help them feel more secure.

 7. Use a distraction technique
Sometimes the best way to get your child to take medicine is to distract them during the process. Engage them with a favourite toy, a song, or a short video on your phone. This can help them focus on something fun instead of the medicine, making them less likely to be resistant.

For example:

• “Let’s watch a quick cartoon while you take your medicine, then we can play with your blocks!”

• “I’ll sing your favourite song while you take your medicine—what should we sing today?”

Distraction works particularly well with toddlers who may not understand why they need the medicine but can be easily redirected with a bit of fun.

 8. Stay consistent with routine
If your child is resistant to taking medicine, establishing a consistent routine can help reduce resistance over time. Give the medication at the same time every day and make it part of a calm and predictable routine (for example, straight after brushing teeth or before reading a bedtime story). Children feel more secure and less likely to resist when they know what to expect.

 9. Talk to your child about the medicine
While very young children may not fully understand why they need to take medicine, talking to them about it in simple terms can be helpful. Explain why the medicine is important and how it will help them feel better. Be honest, but keep the language simple and reassuring.

For example:

• “This medicine will help your tummy feel better so you can play and have fun again.”

• “The doctor said this medicine will help make your cough go away and help you feel stronger.”

This helps build a sense of trust and understanding and can reduce anxiety about taking the medication.

 10. Consult your doctor for alternatives
If your child is extremely resistant to medication and you’ve tried everything, it may be worth discussing alternative forms of the medication with your doctor. Some medications come in chewable or dissolvable forms, or your doctor might be able to prescribe a different kind that is easier for your child to take.

Never hesitate to ask for alternatives that could make the experience more manageable for both you and your child.

Getting a young child to take medication can be tough, but with patience, creativity, and a little bit of planning, it doesn’t have to be a battle every time. Keep trying different strategies and remember to stay calm and positive. In time, your child will likely become more accustomed to the process, making future doses easier for everyone involved.

Our blog Coughs and colds? Some hints and tips for looking after your little one when they are feeling under the weather has lots of tips to help when caring for a poorly little one.

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Baby taking medicine with a syringe