The omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil are linked to protecting children from developing allergies and asthma, according to Dr. Barry Sears, an specialist in dietary control of hormonal response. They also may prove useful in treating learning disorders such as dyslexia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, according to the Nutritional Journal. While fish oil pills are a supplement worthy of giving to children daily, the children may struggle with swallowing the pills. Help the child practice swallowing pills by using safe, small pieces of candy instead. Once the child is comfortable with swallowing candy, move onto giving her whole fish oil pills daily.
Step 1
Have the child take a drink of water, juice or another drink she prefers to lubricate the throat.
Step 2
Place a small, hard candy the size of a pill on the back of her tongue.
Step 3
Instruct her to take a drink through a straw while holding her head back until she swallows the candy.
Step 4
Encourage her to keep practicing with additional pieces of candy until she is comfortable swallowing the candy whole.
Step 5
Progress to having your child swallow the fish oil pills only after she masters swallowing the candy pieces.
Tips and Warnings
- Remain calm and patient while helping any child learn how to swallow a pill. Eliminate distractions such as television while she is practicing taking pills. To avoid fishy belches, purchase flavored fish oil pills, available in lemon and other flavors. If the child is unable to mastering swallowing pills with liquid, insert the pill into a small piece of gelatin and instruct her to swallow the gelatin whole. If the child refuses to take fish oil pills, use a fish oil liquid supplement instead.
Things You'll Need
- Drink
- Small hard candies
- Straw
References
- BabyCenter; How Can I Teach My Child to Swallow a Pill?; Meredith Goodwin
- The Kid's Doctor; Teaching Kids How to Swallow a Pill; Sue Hubbard, M.D.
- KidsGrowth.com: Helping Children Swallow Pills
- DrSears.com; Vegetables, Fish May Protect Kids From Asthma; Amy Norton; October 2007
- Nutrition Journal; Fatty Acid Status and Behavioural Symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Adolescents: A Case-Control Study; Ashley L Colter, et al.; July 2007
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