Medication Education for children isn’t about teaching children how to take medications rather, it involves enlightening them about the dangers of them taking the medications without an adult’s supervision.
I designed this 3-step guide to go about the education process however, this guide might not be very effective for children below the age of 5 years old so as a parent of under 5 years, sticking to keeping medications out of sight will do.
I have named this 3-step guide the PCM strategy.
Now to the step:
~ 1. Preparation: this preparation stage is in two phases. First, as a parent/guardian, you educate yourself. Get informed about the possible dangers of medication overdose in children, watch videos and read stories. This will boost your confidence when your children start asking questions (I’m sure you know how curious children can be🤗). Second, you gather your information in preparation for the talking stage, download the pictures and videos you feel your child will be able to relate with and understand better. Prepare your answers for possible questions and also prepare to ask them questions too.
~ 2. Communication: the main action starts here. There is a need for a response and feedback from both parties. First of all, get your medicine storage box/pack and ask them questions about taking medications without adult supervision and all just so you have an idea of their perspective about the issue and also know the words that require more emphasis. Show them the videos, pictures and most importantly use word of mouth I.e explain in your own words. Ask them what they think about what you have shown them now compared to their previous knowledge. Ask more questions in case there is a need for clarification of any misconception.
~ 3. Maintenance: ensure you do this from time to time for reminders. Though it might not be as detailed as the first, there is a higher chance of forgetting information if there is no reminder. Despite this, I will still employ parents to still keep medications out of sight as a form of double protection.
I believe this strategy is concise and easy to use, if you want to educate your children about medication and still need a guide as to how to go about it, send a message.
Yours in Health and Knowledge
BS Akinlabi
4/3/2022
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