Kids health: Tear-free treatments

Is your child suffering from a cold or a badly skinned knee? Readers sent us their favourite tips and advice on how to cure minor scraps and ailments.

A version of this article appeared in our June 2013 issue of Today's Parent with the headline, "Doctor's orders," p. 26.

My son is a big fan of Mary Poppins, so singing “A Spoonful of Sugar” really does help the medicine go down. — Apis Teicher, Port Coquitlam, BC

If the medicine tastes gross and there’s a risk of her spitting it out, I mix it with pudding. Works every time. — Jill Sacks Hulley, Red Deer, Alta.

Every kid loves bandages! I draw a happy face on them if I don’t have a princess or Spider-Man one hanging around. — Ann-Marie Pritchett, Keswick, Ont.

I don’t make a habit of this, but I’ve bribed my daughter with chocolate so she would take her medication. It worked! Sometimes, as a parent, you just have to survive. — Jessica Griffin, Edmonton

The biggest problem with cleaning scrapes and bruises is the antibacterial ointments. My kids hate them. Now I put the cream on the bandage first, and then place the bandage on the cut.
— Erin Rundquist, Ottawa

I tell my five-year-old that to be strong and have big muscles you need to be healthy, and medicine will make you healthy again. — April Patch, Oshawa, Ont.

We make a sticker chart for antibiotics. He gets to add a sticker every time he takes a dose, and it makes taking medicine a lot more fun in our house! — Kristin Tunke, Peace River, Alta.

I pretend to be “Dr. Mommy.” It always works and is now expected when my boys get hurt and need some TLC. — Linda Hoogstraat, Calgary

My mom used to crush up medication, put it on a spoon with some lemon juice and sugar, and give it to me that way. I loved it! — Sherrie Whitton, Okotoks, Alta.

We just tell our kids the truth. When they’re not well, the medicine will help make them feel better, even if it tastes gross. They always oblige and it’s done in three-and-a-half seconds. — Jessica Jowitt, Bobcaygeon, Ont.

My daughter’s favourite colour is blue. A few drops of food colouring turns her medicine into a treat. — Jennie McDevitt, Newboro, Ont.

When my boys are hurt and I have to remove a splinter or clean and tend to a cut, I set them up with their hand-held game consoles. It’s a good distraction and allows me to do what I need to do without them watching (and feeling) my every move. — Jackie Currie, Port Hope, Ont.