There are a few things I would try (mind you, I don't have biokids myself...but I did have to take medicine when I was small). One thing to keep in mind is that those kinds of medications often have uncomfortable side effects. If this is the reason he doesn't want to take it, it could be wise to talk to his doctor about finding something else. But if he's just being difficult about it:

1. Find a reward to give him when he does take it without fighting. It doesn't have to be anything big, just something special. You may even want to consider some activity you guys can do on the weekend if he takes it properly for the whole week.

2. At 6, he should know that his parents are the authority. If he spits at you, in particular (as opposed to just spitting in the trash or something like that), he should be made to help clean it up. Also, there should be some sort of punishment for making that kind of a mess. There should also be consequences for disobeying in terms of taking the pill. Again, this shouldn't have to be grandiose, but something to show him that the parents are to be listened to, and that utter defiance cannot be tolerated.

3. Have you explained to him why he takes this medicine? Perhaps if he had a thorough understanding of what's going on (both the problem, and the solution to the problem, ie: the meds), he may be less likely to fight so much about it.

4. If all else fails:
a. talk to the pharmacist about an off-brand pill that looks different from the ones he takes (if he's not on the generic already)
b. grind it up and put it in oj or cereal, or whatever he eats in the morning (unless he is already preparing his own meals, obviously). You may want to check with the doc before you try this one, though. There may be a time-release aspect in the meds that could get messed up by grinding up the pill.

Good luck, and I hope this might at least get the wheels turning for you.
db

I'd probably tell him he has two options. He either takes his medicine like a good boy or we'll have to go to the doctors so he can get it in a shot, and you hear the needle's reaaaaaalllllllly big. Might be BS, but knowing how much kids like shots it just might work. If he refuses take him by the arm and tell him ok we're off to the doctors and make for the door.
I'd also do something to offset it a bit like having his favorite cereal on hand and tell him ok, let's get this pill down so you can have your _____!

My ss has been on ADHD meds for 3 years now and he STILL won't swallow the pill. He is 11.5. We've tried everything possible. Every suggestion, every no fail method(special pill cup, straw,etc.), every punishment. He WILL NOT SWALLOW it! He has spit it all over the kitchen table too many times to count since we started. He has gagged, he has puked it up, he has cried! Our whole household gets upset!
We have explained to him why he has to take it but he still says it is the "evil" pill. We don't observe any side affects but still he doesn't want to take it. His is a capsule that isn't supposed to be opened. However, like you, ss's mother started opening it up and putting it in pudding. Also, like you, that worked for awhile but it kept taking longer and longer for him to take it and that was just the powder part. Now, I just give him the pill with his breakfast and he chews it up with his food. It still isn't pretty and he makes faces and noises and still takes way too long.
Even threatening to get a shot instead doesn't work. He just didn't care and would not and will not swallow it. It's not just this pill either. He won't swallow any pills! It is a real pain.
So, I say to you.......I hope your son isn't like my ss because if he is, nothing will work. Sorry for the bad news!

Dawn

My two youngest skids are regular little walking pharmacies and they both are on meds for ADHD. I've never had a problem getting them to swallow a pill. We have the other problem... them wanting a pill for every little bump, bruise, headache, upset tummy, etc. But I do know that some people just have a thing about swallowing pills and simply cannot do it, even adults. Is there any way to get the meds in a different format, like a liquid or a chewable? What about a patch?

I've used trep's suggestion before with my son for cold meds and yep, he was more willing to swallow the pill than he was to get a shot. I've also bribed him with something usually forbidden... SODA. I don't let my kids drink soda at all, unless the occasional glass of Sprite Zero or Sierra Mist Free with no caffeine and no sugar, but I will bribe my son with a few sips of Coke if he'll only swallow the pill first!

~ Anne ~

Ladies and gentlemen, take my advice: Pull down your pants and slide on the ice! -M*A*S*H (Sidney Freedman to the OR staff on dealing with stress)

I can't crush or get my sons Concerta wet...he has to swallow it whole because its encapsulated in a water soluble shell for time release purposes. He's 11 and has no problem taking it...there's never a fight. He's been on it since he was 8.

We started 'practicing' swallowing pills...with tiny little balled up pieces of bread...(nice & soft, with no hard edges, or bad after taste, etc) Starting with extra tiny, tiny peices and gradually working our way up to 'Concerta' size...'little bread balls'. Make it fun. Filled with praise. Swallow the bread balls with him. Make it a contest or game involve other people if you have too....

My son was eagar to take his meds...so he was motivated. In your case with a stubborn 6 year old you may have to find some other way to motivate him. Candy, Cash, whatever his currency is.....in addition to all the above.

My son could get stubborn at times (not over meds but over other things when he was younger) and I think maybe this 'pill taking' routine may have turned into a 'pissing match' or a 'control issue' between you guys....and he may have you on this one... Unless you fnd a way to WIN his co-operation...you've got a long road ahead of you.

We use humour quite a bit to diffuse things and keep our frustrations in check..... try to keep that in the morning routine somehow if you can...

Good Luck

Lovin-life

Yes, SS sounds like a pain in in the BUTT!! But.... dad should be taking control here - not you. And, if SS really does have problems taking meds, then it is as much (or more) of dad's responsibility to see that he takes them as it is yours.

Second, why CAN'T you give him his meds at 5:00 in the morning...... WAKE HIS BUTT UP - AND dad's. Explain that since they can't seem to handle the situation without you, then you have no choice but to give him his meds before you go to work. From now on, meds will be given at YOUR convenience, not THEIRS.

I'm thinking, if SS likes to sleep, he'll take his meds, and if DAD likes to sleep, he'll make SS take his meds.....

Yes, you can certainly explain that he will go to the doctor to get a SHOT if he doesn't take his meds, and that might work..... but if you REALLY want to make an impression, explain what a SUPPOSITORY is.....

Luckily for me my BS always took his meds without trouble--I am just picturing what that whole morning must look like--I know it's really not funny but I am laughing-- I like the idea of the suppository- I guarantee you open that wrapper and inform him of which end it's going into- he will swallow that pill faster than he can ask--you put that where???GULP!!!Good Luck!! Although pill taking was not my dilemma trust me having an ADHD child presented plenty of others!!LOL! glad mine has outgrown most of the symptoms!!

Do you remember ever giving a dog medicine? We used to put it in a hot dog. SS9 has this problem but mainly it's because he knows he's taking the pill. So we finally put it in a hot dog, wrapped a piece of cheese arounf the opening so he wouldn't see it and gave it to him. He took it with no problem.
IF IT WAS EASY, EVERYONE WOULD DO IT.

Oh that's wonderful. A victory is a victory, no matter how big or small.
IF IT WAS EASY, EVERYONE WOULD DO IT.