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Older children (ages 5 to 11 years) are typically able to understand the importance of taking prescribed medications. For example, a school-aged child with type 1 diabetes will usually be able to comprehend that insulin is necessary in order to control glucose (blood sugar) levels.

Engaging a child in their own treatment plan allows them to assume some responsibility for their own health. Parents or caregivers may also ask children about ways in which they can help make taking medication easier or more pleasant. For example, children age 6 and older can generally start taking medication in pill form. If a child reports trouble swallowing a capsule or tablet medication, parents may consult with the child’s physician about other possibilities such as crushing the medication and mixing it with soft food (e.g., applesauce). It is important to note that parents should never crush medications without first consulting a physician because doing so may alter the medication’s effectiveness.

If older children refuse to take their medication, parents should allow them to take a short break before offering them the medication again. Parents can also allow older children to exert a certain amount of control, such as permitting them to hold the spoon while taking a liquid medication. Offering the child a reward, such as extending their bed time by 15 minutes, may also be effective.

Many older children are aware of medication side effects, so parents should discuss them openly and provide the child with reassurance when necessary. If parents need additional assistance, they can arrange a meeting with the child and the child’s physician.

Adolescents are also able to understand the importance of taking prescribed medications. However, parents of preteens and teenagers may also be met with resistance when medications are necessary. Even though adolescents are able to recognize that medications will improve their health and well-being, some will refuse to take them at some point over the course of their treatment. This is because teenagers – generally healthy or otherwise - tend to have a sense of immortality.

Parents can combat such resistance by reminding adolescents that tending to their health demonstrates trustworthiness and maturity and that such behavior will result in adult-like privileges. Conversely, parents can remind children that neglecting their health demonstrates immaturity and an adult monitoring them is necessary. However, it is important that parents do not threaten children in an attempt to get them to cooperate. For example, parents should avoid making statements such as “You’re not allowed to go to the mall because you didn’t take your medication.” The use of threats may prompt the child to become rebellious or uncooperative. Instead, making more positive statements such as “I can see that you’re not ready to take your medication on your own,” and following such statements with a consequence can be effective in motivating teenagers.