Parenting Perspective:
Medicine

by Dianne Witter
Reprinted from Arthritis Today

If you have trouble opening childproof medicine containers, ask the pharmacist to transfer the medicine to an easy-open bottle, but be sure to store the medicine well out of your child's reach. The same goes for your own medications - the fact that you take medicine needn't be hidden from a child, but the medicines themselves should be kept out of reach, in a locked cabinet.

With toddler or preschooler, it's important to explain why you take the medicine. "This helps control the swelling" or "this medicine is to help control my arthritis" are preferable to "I take this so I'll feel better," which can lead the child to want to take the medicine, too. Children should also be aware that you take medicine prescribed by your doctor and that you take it the way the doctor told you to.