How to Make Medicine Time Easier for Kids (and Parents)

Because no one wants a wrestling match with a spoonful of syrup.

Giving medicine to kids can feel like trying to reason with a tiny, stubborn lawyer. One who hates the taste of bubblegum-flavored antibiotics and has an uncanny ability to spit liquid medicine across the room with sniper precision.

If that sounds familiar—you’re not alone. Many parents dread “medicine time,” but it doesn’t have to be a daily battle. At Good Day Pharmacy, we’re here to make the experience easier, safer, and a little less stressful for both kids and caregivers. Why Kids Refuse Medicine in the First Place

Understanding the "why" can help you manage the "how."

• Taste and texture – Let’s be honest, some medications do taste awful.

• Fear or anxiety – Young children may associate medicine with being sick or feeling bad.

• Loss of control – Kids like to feel in charge. Being told to “just take it” rarely helps.

• Previous bad experiences – One gag reflex-triggering dose can lead to long-term resistance.
  

8 Parent-Tested Tips to Make Medicine Time Easier

1. Give Kids a Choice (Where You Can)

Let them choose:

• A favorite spoon or cup

• Whether they take medicine before or after their bath

• If they want to drink water or juice afterward
  

These little decisions help them feel in control.

2. Use Flavored Medication (Yes, It’s a Thing!)

Ask your pharmacist if the medicine can be flavored. At Good Day Pharmacy, we offer custom medication flavoring that can turn “ew” into “okay.” Think grape, strawberry, or even watermelon—whatever works best for your child’s taste buds.

3. Use a Medicine Syringe, Not a Spoon

A dosing syringe helps:

• Measure doses more accurately

• Aim the liquid toward the back of the cheek to reduce gag reflex

• Avoid spilling (or spitting)
  

Bonus: It feels a little more like a “cool tool” than a spoon.

4. Try the “Chaser” Technique

Let your child drink their favorite juice, eat a small snack (like applesauce), or suck on a popsicle immediately after taking medicine. It helps wash away the taste and makes the process more tolerable.

5. Keep It Calm and Matter-of-Fact

Kids pick up on your energy. If you approach medicine time like it’s a disaster waiting to happen, they’ll meet you with resistance. Stay calm, confident, and even a little playful when appropriate.

6. Make It a Game or Story

For toddlers and young kids:

• Pretend the medicine is a “superpower potion”

• Let a favorite stuffed animal "go first"

• Use stickers or a reward chart for cooperation
  

A little creativity goes a long way.

7. Don’t Mix with Food Unless Your Pharmacist Says It’s Safe

Some meds can be mixed with applesauce or yogurt, but others can’t (it may affect absorption). Always ask your pharmacist first.

8. Ask About Alternate Forms

Liquid isn't the only option. Depending on the medication, there may be:

• Chewables

• Dissolvable tablets

• Topical creams

• Compounded versions with adjusted form or dosage
  

Your pharmacist can guide you.

What NOT to Do

• Don’t force it without trying alternatives. It may create long-term resistance.

• Don’t hide medicine in large amounts of food without approval. This can backfire and reduce effectiveness.

• Never skip doses. If your child misses a dose, call your pharmacist for guidance.
  

When in Doubt, Ask Your Pharmacist

Our team at Good Day Pharmacy is here to help make life easier—especially when it comes to your family’s health. We can:

• Recommend child-friendly medication forms

• Offer custom flavoring

• Help troubleshoot common medication challenges
  

No judgment, just support.

Final Thoughts: Medicine Time Can Be Less Stressful

It might take some trial and error, but with patience and the right strategies, medicine time doesn’t have to be a battle. Whether your child is sick for a week or managing a long-term condition, we’re here to help make every day a Good Day—including the ones with antibiotics and Tylenol.