It’s safe to say that picky eating is a trait I thought I’d pass down to my kids. My husband and I went to a diner on our first date, and I specifically chose it because I knew their chicken fingers were up to my standards. I didn’t even try salad until my early 20s, and I only tasted my first strawberry in 2009.
Over time, I’ve become more adventurous with food, even revisiting things I once deemed disgusting. Now, I’m a grown woman who enjoys meals from all food groups—Brussels sprouts, which I once loathed, now rank among my favorites. However, some things will forever be a struggle, like grape-flavored medicine. Even as a 30-year-old, I can’t bring myself to swallow it, so I totally understand my son’s reaction when I offer him what seems like poison for his cough.
As a baby, it was a breeze. All I had to do was lay him back, pop a syringe in, and squirt the honey-flavored concoction down his throat. But as he grew, gaining control over his little limbs, I had to rethink my approach. This meant resorting to bribery—a strategy I never envisioned for myself while I was pregnant with this little rascal. Promises of candy, screen time, toys, and even more candy during screen time and playtime became my new norm.
However, I quickly discovered that kids seem to be perpetually sick. I couldn’t keep spending our savings on medicine and treats, so I had to get creative. I tried being firm: “You have to take this medicine; you’re not getting up until you do.” That led to an epic two-hour standoff at the kitchen table, and I had nothing to show for it.
Next, I tried gentle persuasion: “Sweetheart, this medicine will help you feel better. Come sit on Mommy’s lap.” He sensed my weakness, scoffed, and sealed his lips tight. I even tried fibbing: “This stuff is like liquid lollipops! So tasty!” He wasn’t fooled. It felt like an impossible situation; I was doomed to be the mom of a constantly sick child.
Then, I had a lightbulb moment. I set my son up at the table with a cookie, juice, and his little cup of medicine. I laid it out plainly: “This medicine is yucky, I won’t lie. But this juice is tasty, and this cookie is awesome, and we’re going to do this together.”
Suddenly, I was hit by memories of high school parties where I’d chug orange soda to wash down the cheap, nasty alcohol. I began drumming my hands on the table, and he looked confused but intrigued. With an encouraging nod, I got him to join in. Our rhythm picked up, and soon we were laughing and yelling, prepping for that nasty medicine.
“Alright, buddy. Here’s the plan: you’re gonna take that medicine, chug the juice, and then munch on the cookie. Easy peasy!” There was no fuss, just a kid ready to follow his mom’s lead because I was acting goofy. I realize now I may have inadvertently taught my three-year-old how to take a shot, but I’m okay with that. He nailed it! He downed his medicine, chased it with juice, and devoured the cookie. Success!
As I look toward his future, I can only hope that when he turns 21, he’ll sit at a bar, order his first drink (yes, his very first), and say, “I’ll have a juice and cookie, please.”
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Summary:
Navigating the challenge of getting a toddler to take medicine can be a daunting task. From bribery to creative strategies, parents often find themselves in a battle of wills. In this lighthearted account, Emily Turner shares her experience with her son and how a playful approach made a world of difference, transforming medicine time into a fun bonding experience.