HEALTHY FAMILY
BY JOY SAHA
W hether it’s the unappealing
smells, flavors or textures,
medications—in liquid or
tablet forms—are just not fun to take.

But they are a necessity when it comes to
maintaining and preserving your child’s
immunity and well-being.

In preparation for cold and flu season,
Dr. Christina Johns, a pediatrician and
pediatric emergency physician at PM
Pediatrics in Washington, D.C., shares
some tips and tricks to help lessen the
overall fear and anxiety your child may
have about taking different medications.

30 WashingtonFAMILY DECEMBER 2020
Explain the ‘why’ of medicine
Encouraging kids to sip or swallow their
medicine can be a stressful ordeal. Before
your child starts taking something new,
have a chat about what medicine is and
why it’s important to take.

Johns recommends that parents keep
the conversation short and to the point.

Don’t delve into the mechanics and
complications of the drug. Instead, make
it clear to your child that medicine is there
to “make them feel better”—it’s as simple
as that.

“Explaining the reason why you’re
TIMSA/E+ Pediatrician-
recommended tips to help your
child take their
medicine