Health

This wellness content is sponsored by Sensoril® Ashwagandha through Maverick Mindshare.

Motherhood is a beautiful journey full of love, laughter, and special moments — but it can also be exhausting and stressful. Many of us put our family’s needs first and forget to care for ourselves, which can lead to burnout. The good news is there are simple, effective ways to manage stress and find more balance. Here are seven practical strategies that have helped me handle the stresses of modern motherhood:

1. Prioritize Self-Care
We often put everyone else first, but you can’t pour from an empty cup. Make self-care a must, not an afterthought. Whether it’s a long bath, reading, or a few minutes of quiet, pick things that help you relax and recharge. When you care for yourself, you can better care for others.

2. Ashwagandha: A Natural Stress Support
Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb used for centuries in Ayurveda to help the body handle stress. Sensoril® Ashwagandha is a trusted form used in supplements; it includes both leaves and roots, which research suggests may boost effectiveness. I take a Sensoril-based supplement daily and have noticed I handle stress better and sleep more soundly, especially on rough, late-night parenting days. It’s a gentle, natural way to support calm and resilience. If you want to learn more, check the brand’s website. And remember to talk with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant or nursing.

3. Build a Support System
Lean on friends and family who get what parenting is like. Sharing your feelings and getting a fresh perspective can relieve stress. Find a community — online or in person — or connect through activities you love. Some of my closest friends are from yoga class, and having people to vent to makes a big difference.

4. Practice Mindfulness and Meditation
Short daily mindfulness or meditation sessions can help you stay grounded. Find a quiet spot and focus on your breath for a few minutes each day. If you’re new to it, plenty of free apps can guide you. Breathwork also helps: try the 4-7-8 method (inhale 4 seconds, hold 7, exhale 8) or deep abdominal breathing where you fill your belly and chest like a wave. These techniques calm the body and are great to use before bedtime.

5. Get Moving
Exercise is a powerful mood booster. A walk, yoga class, or dancing around the living room with your kids releases endorphins and lowers stress. Aim for about 30 minutes of activity a day when you can.

6. Organize Your Time
Managing a household and kids can feel chaotic. A simple schedule can help. Plan daily or weekly routines that include work, chores, family time, and — importantly — time for yourself. Our family uses a shared online calendar, which keeps things clearer for everyone. Delegate chores when possible; it lightens your load and teaches kids responsibility.

7. Seek Professional Help
If stress feels overwhelming or won’t go away, don’t be afraid to get professional help. Therapy or counseling can give you tools to manage stress and improve your mental health.

Motherhood brings so much joy, but it can also be stressful. It’s okay to put your well-being first. By using these strategies, you’ll be better equipped to handle challenges and find more balance. You’ve got this!

The holidays are here, and I’ve rounded up some of my favorite women’s gift ideas from adidas. Whether you’re buying for a yoga fan, runner, gym-goer, or someone who loves athleisure, these picks should cover it. Here are a few adidas items I think will be popular this season.

Superstar Shoes
I love adidas running shoes, but I also have a soft spot for the Superstar. With loads of color options, they’re the perfect casual-sport sneaker for streetwear and everyday wear. I like pairing them with jeans or a casual dress for a day out, or wearing them to yoga. The leather upper and rubber outsole make them more durable in cool, wet weather compared with suede styles. Available at adidas.

Tracksuits
A classic tracksuit is always a safe choice. With different cuts—from wide leg to skinny to the traditional fit—there’s a tracksuit for everyone. The new glam pants are my favorite, and that purple shade is beautiful. Great for staying cozy in cooler weather. Available at adidas.

Hoodies
I’ve added so many hoodies to my wish list that it’s hard to pick a top favorite. A soft, cozy hoodie is a gift that rarely misses. One go-to is the Essentials 3-Stripes Zip-Up hoodie—lots of colors, a flattering cut, and a staple piece. Another favorite is the Essentials Big Logo Regular Fleece Hoodie: ultra-soft, warm, and just the right weight. Both look great with leggings or skinny jeans for a casual, put-together vibe. Available at adidas.

Long Line Bra Tank Top
This longline bra tank is a true favorite. With medium support, a seamless fit, and a built-in bra, it’s ideal for yoga or Pilates. The fabric is buttery soft and super comfortable—pair it with leggings for class or layer it under a tracksuit jacket for a sporty look.

Velvet Puffer Jacket
I’m really into the velvet puffer jacket—the color, the fabric, and the fit are all spot on. The large collar is perfect for pulling up on cold, windy days.

In today’s fast-paced world, taking time for calm and self-care is important for both body and mind. Breathwork has become a popular, simple way to manage stress, sharpen focus, and feel better overall. Below we’ll explain what breathwork is and share three easy techniques for beginners.

What is breathwork?
Breathwork refers to different methods of consciously controlling your breathing to affect your physical and mental state. People have used breath techniques for thousands of years—from yoga’s pranayama to Zen breathing—because the breath is closely linked to our emotions and health. Learning to work with your breath can bring many benefits, from reduced stress to better clarity and balance.

Three beginner-friendly breathwork techniques

1. Diaphragmatic Breathing (Belly Breathing)
This basic technique is great for calming down and can be done anywhere.
– Sit or lie down comfortably.
– Put one hand on your chest and the other on your belly.
– Breathe in slowly through your nose so your belly rises.
– Breathe out through your mouth so your belly falls.
– Continue for a few minutes, slowly lengthening each inhale and exhale.

2. Box Breathing (Four-Square Breathing)
Box breathing gives your breath a steady rhythm and helps calm the mind—useful for stress or anxiety.
– Sit comfortably with a straight back.
– Inhale through your nose for a count of four.
– Hold your breath for four counts.
– Exhale through your mouth for four counts.
– Hold again for four counts.
– Repeat for several rounds, increasing the count if it feels comfortable.

3. Alternate Nostril Breathing (Nadi Shodhana)
This yoga-based practice can help balance the two sides of the brain and bring mental clarity.
– Sit tall and relaxed.
– Close your right nostril with your right thumb and inhale through your left nostril.
– Close your left nostril with your ring finger, release your right nostril, and exhale through the right.
– Inhale through the right nostril.
– Close the right nostril with your thumb, release the left, and exhale through the left.
– Repeat for several cycles, finishing on an exhale through the left if you’d like.

Breathwork is easy to add to your daily routine and can help you feel more relaxed and centered. These three techniques are a good place to start—practice regularly to notice the benefits and deepen your awareness. Breathe slowly and often, and let your breath guide you toward greater calm and balance.

The last week of April is National Infant Immunization Week, a great time to remind everyone why protecting babies and young children from vaccine-preventable diseases matters.

I partnered with I Vaccinate to share my story, and this content is sponsored by I Vaccinate.

The past few years have been chaotic for many families, and some children fell behind on routine well-checks and vaccinations. In honor of this week, I want to share why staying up to date on vaccines is so important to me.

Keeping Vaccines Up to Date
As a mom, I try to do everything I can to keep my kids healthy—making sure they sleep enough, eat well, stay active, and get their vaccines on schedule. Since my children were babies, we’ve followed the recommended vaccination timeline because it’s one of the best ways to prevent serious illness and hospital stays.

Following the recommended schedule for infants, children, and teens helps make sure they’re protected when they need it most. Babies’ immune systems are still developing, so they’re more vulnerable to severe illness. Vaccines protect kids and teens from 16 vaccine-preventable diseases, including HPV, which can cause six types of cancer. Getting vaccines on time helps ensure protection early on.

Protection From Serious Illnesses
Immunizations protect babies and children from dangerous, sometimes life-threatening diseases. Vaccines have been shown to be safe and effective against illnesses like measles, mumps, rubella, polio, and whooping cough. By vaccinating our children, we reduce their risk of these serious diseases.

Community Protection
Vaccination is a shared responsibility. Vaccines protect individuals and help prevent the spread of disease in the community. When many people are vaccinated, herd immunity makes it harder for illnesses to spread, which protects those who can’t be vaccinated, like infants who are too young or people with weakened immune systems.

By vaccinating our kids, we also help protect future generations. Many diseases that used to be common and deadly are now rare thanks to vaccines. Keeping up the vaccination routine helps make sure those diseases don’t come back.

Safe and Effective
Vaccines are safe and have been carefully tested. Serious side effects are very rare, and the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks. The U.S. vaccine safety system watches over recommendations and updates them as new science becomes available to keep vaccines as safe as possible.

Peace of Mind
Vaccinating my children gives me peace of mind. I feel confident that I’m doing what I can to protect them from serious illnesses. Vaccines also make me more comfortable when we travel or spend time around others, knowing my kids have protection against many dangerous diseases.

National Infant Immunization Week is a helpful reminder to check on vaccinations. If you’re unsure whether your children are up to date, call your pediatrician so they can help you catch up. You can learn more about vaccine safety and effectiveness from trusted sources like iVaccinate.org. I Vaccinate offers information and tools based on medical science and research to help Michigan parents protect their kids.

Vaccinating our children is one of the most important steps we can take for their health and for a healthier, safer community for everyone.

The last week of April is National Infant Immunization Week, a great time to remind everyone how important it is to protect babies and young children from vaccine-preventable diseases. I’ve partnered with I Vaccinate to share my story, and this content is sponsored by I Vaccinate.

The last few years have been disruptive for many families, and some have fallen behind on routine well visits and vaccinations. Those appointments matter—especially now. In honor of this week, I want to share why staying on schedule with vaccines is so important to me.

Keeping Vaccines Up to Date
As a mom, I do everything I can to keep my kids healthy: good sleep, nutritious meals, activity—and staying current on vaccines. Since they were babies, we’ve followed the recommended vaccination schedule because it’s one of the best ways to prevent serious illness and hospital stays.

Following the recommended schedule for infants, children, and teens helps make sure they’re protected when their immune systems are still developing. Vaccines defend against 16 diseases, including HPV, which can cause six types of cancer. Getting shots on time helps protect kids when they need it most.

Protecting Against Serious Illness
Vaccines prevent serious and sometimes life-threatening diseases. They’ve been proven safe and effective against illnesses like measles, mumps, rubella, polio, and whooping cough. By vaccinating our children, we reduce their risk of these dangerous diseases.

Protecting the Community
Vaccination is a shared responsibility. When lots of people are vaccinated, it slows the spread of disease and creates herd immunity, which helps protect those who can’t be vaccinated—like infants who are too young or people with weakened immune systems. Many deadly diseases have been reduced or eliminated because of vaccines, and continuing to vaccinate helps protect future generations.

Safe and Effective
Vaccines are tested thoroughly and monitored for safety. Serious side effects are rare, and the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks. The U.S. vaccine safety system keeps recommendations up to date as new science becomes available, ensuring vaccines remain as safe as possible.

Peace of Mind
Getting my children vaccinated gives me peace of mind. I feel confident taking them out into the world and traveling, knowing we’ve done our part to protect them from many dangerous diseases.

National Infant Immunization Week is a timely reminder to check your child’s vaccine record. If you’re not sure whether your kids are up to date, call your pediatrician to get caught up. You can also learn more about vaccine safety and effectiveness from trusted sources like iVaccinate.org. I Vaccinate offers information and tools based on medical science to help Michigan parents protect their children.

Vaccinating our children is one of the most important steps we can take to keep them healthy. By doing so, we not only protect our own families but also help build a safer, healthier community for everyone.

As parents, our first priority is keeping our children safe and healthy. In a world full of risks, taking simple, proactive steps can make a big difference. From vaccinations to teaching body boundaries, here are key actions you can take to protect your child’s well-being.

I partnered with I Vaccinate to share my story. This content is sponsored by I Vaccinate.

Here are nine easy tips to keep your kids healthy and safe:

1. Vaccinations: Your Best Defense
Vaccines are safe and one of the most effective ways to protect children from serious illnesses. Following the recommended vaccine schedule for your child helps keep them healthy and supports community immunity. With the first measles cases in Michigan since 2019, it’s more important than ever to keep up with well-child visits and timely vaccinations. Vaccines protect kids and teens against 16 vaccine-preventable diseases, including measles, mumps, rubella, polio, and HPV (which can lead to several types of cancer). Vaccinating reduces the chance of outbreaks and helps protect those who can’t be vaccinated for medical reasons. As a mom and public health advocate, I trust the research and have chosen to vaccinate my children. If you have questions, talk with your pediatrician or visit IVaccinate.org for reliable information.

2. Car Seat Safety: Always Buckle Up
Using the right car seat or booster for your child’s age, weight, and height is essential. Make sure they are properly secured every ride, and remember that children under 13 should ride in the back seat to reduce airbag risks.

3. Helmets for Wheeled Activities
Whether your child rides a bike, skateboard, or scooter, a helmet is a must. A well-fitting helmet greatly lowers the chance of head injury. Encourage helmet use early and set the example by wearing one when you ride together.

4. Teach Body Boundaries
Talk to your children about body boundaries in a clear, age-appropriate way. Let them know their body belongs to them and that it’s okay to say no to touches that make them uncomfortable—even from people they know. Teach them to tell a trusted adult if someone crosses their boundaries.

5. Teach About Strangers and Safety
Help your children recognize risky situations and how to respond. Teach basic rules like not talking to strangers, not accepting gifts without parental permission, and finding a trusted adult if they feel unsafe.

6. Encourage Healthy Habits
A healthy lifestyle supports safety and growth. Promote regular physical activity, balanced meals, and enough sleep. Model these habits yourself—kids learn a lot by watching their parents.

7. Limit Screen Time
Set limits on screens and encourage activities that boost creativity, social skills, and movement. Try screen-free times like during meals or before bed to build better habits and reduce overuse.

8. Teach Good Hygiene
Teach children to wash their hands often, brush their teeth twice daily, and cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or their elbow. Reinforce these habits with gentle reminders and praise.

9. Be Ready for Emergencies
Prepare for the unexpected. Make sure your child knows their full name, address, and how to reach you or another trusted adult. Teach them how to call 911 and basic, age-appropriate first aid. Keep a first aid kit at home and in the car, and have a family plan for different emergencies.

Keeping our children safe and healthy is our top job as parents. Stay informed, take proactive steps, and encourage healthy habits so your children can grow and thrive. Let’s prioritize their safety and well-being, one small step at a time.

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This post is sponsored by NOW Foods. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

We often wait for the big moments—weddings, births, vacations, graduations—counting down and preparing for them. Those events bring lots of joy, but there’s also real magic in the everyday routine if we notice it.

With a few small shifts in how we see things, more attention to our senses, and a bit of mindfulness, ordinary moments can sparkle. We tend to operate on autopilot and miss what’s around us. Pausing to really think about what you’re doing and considering other perspectives helps you be more present. Mindfulness can turn boring tasks into fresh experiences. Whether you add gratitude to your day, tune into your senses, or try looking at things from someone else’s viewpoint, being more mindful can change how you see the world.

The good news: you don’t need a lot of extra time to be more mindful or to meditate. Short moments of presence during your day can boost your mental and physical well-being. Below are simple ideas to help you love the life you have—through the mundane, the momentous, and everything in between.

How to Find Magic in the Mundane

Cooking
Cooking can feel like a chore, but it’s a great chance to practice mindfulness. While cooking and eating, tune into your senses: smell, touch, sight, taste, and hearing. Notice if the dish smells sweet, spicy, or sharp. How does it feel—smooth or textured? Does the color change as it cooks? Listen for the sizzle or the bubbling. Taste each ingredient and notice how flavors change.

Another mindful practice is tracing food’s journey from field to plate. Think about the sun, rain, and pollinators, and all the people who help move food from farms to stores—farmers, packers, drivers, and stockers. It’s remarkable how many hands and forces bring simple meals to our tables.

Breath Meditation
When stress appears, one or two minutes of breath meditation can help a lot. “Take a deep breath” is sound advice for a reason—breath work can lower anxiety, sharpen focus, improve sleep, and support heart health. A simple beginner practice is Shamatha, or “breathing as is,” a reset breath to bring you back to the present. You can do it anywhere—at lunch, in the car line, or while waiting for the bus.

How to Practice Breath Meditation
Sit or stand comfortably with a tall spine. Notice the weight of your body where it meets the ground. Close your eyes or soften your gaze. Observe your natural breath without trying to change it. Feel your belly rise and fall. Notice the air at your nostrils—cool or warm? If your thoughts wander, just acknowledge them and return to the breath. Beginners can use a simple mantra, like “I am” on the inhale and “calm” or “safe” on the exhale. Placing a hand on your heart or belly can help you connect with your breathing.

Play
As adults, we forget how joyful play can be. Not everything needs to be serious. Notice the world with a childlike eye—the breeze in your hair, laughter, small movements, ants crossing the pavement. Let yourself enjoy simple, playful moments.

Morning Coffee or Tea Meditation
Connecting mindfulness to a daily habit makes it easier to stick with. A coffee or tea break under five minutes is a quick way to add calm to your morning.

How to Do a Tea or Coffee Meditation
Sit comfortably and hold your cup with both hands. Notice sensations: the warmth on your palms, the texture of the mug, the aroma rising from the cup. Pause and notice how your body responds. Take your first sip and stay with the taste and feeling.

Savor Nature
Finding little ways to connect with nature can lift ordinary moments. Whether you’re grabbing the mail, walking to the bus, or taking a stroll, take a short break to notice the outdoors. If possible, take off your shoes and feel the ground, enjoy the sun or breeze, watch bees or bugs, listen for birds or frogs, and take in the colors and textures around you.

Connecting with Loved Ones
With constant distractions, it’s easy to go through the motions without truly connecting. Each day, set aside time to disconnect from devices and to-do lists and be fully present with someone you care about. Look them in the eye, listen closely, and give them your full attention.

Waiting in Line at the Store
Lines can feel like wasted time, but they’re a chance to pause. Use that waiting time to notice your surroundings, daydream, or simply breathe. These small pauses can be surprisingly refreshing.

Skincare Routine
Skincare routines can seem tedious, but they’re an easy way to add mindfulness to your day. Slowing down your routine can feel like an act of self-care. As you apply creams, serums, or oils, notice the scents, textures, and the way your skin responds. Choose products that nourish your skin with natural ingredients and appreciate their benefits.

Featured Products I Recommend
Herbal Tea: NOW Foods offers lots of teas for different moods. Black tea is great for a morning pick-me-up (try adding a bit of manuka honey). Hibiscus tea is light and fruity for summer—delicious iced. In the evening, I love a Nighttime tea with spearmint and chamomile to help unwind.
Skin Care: Facial oils have become a favorite in my routine. The Balance Facial Oil leaves skin soft, nourished, and hydrated with a blend of natural oils. I like using it with a vibrating t-wand or gua sha stone for a mindful pampering session.
Protein Powders and Smoothie Add-Ins: Summer means smoothies for me. A good protein powder (this one tastes great and digests easily) boosts nutrition. I also add nuts, seeds, and fresh fruit for texture and flavor.

Save 20% on your entire order at NowFoods.com with code AMBER.

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The holiday season is here — a time for laughter, joy, and time with loved ones. With all the gatherings and celebrations, it’s important to keep our health a priority. As we prepare for the festivities, let’s double-check our wellness habits so we can enjoy a happy, healthy holiday season.

This post is sponsored by I Vaccinate. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Healthy Holiday Checklist:

Hand Hygiene
Teach the whole family to wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before meals and after being in public. Make washing up a routine when you come home from errands or school. When you’re out, keep hand sanitizer handy and use it as soon as you get back in the car.

Vaccine Check-Up
Make time to see your healthcare provider or visit a clinic to make sure everyone’s vaccines are up to date, including any boosters. Don’t forget the flu shot — it’s especially important in colder months. National Influenza Vaccination Week runs December 4–8, a reminder that anyone 6 months and older can still get a flu vaccine this season.

Keeping vaccinations current is one of the easiest and most effective ways to prevent illness. Recent MDHHS data shows only 66.1% of children aged 19 to 36 months have finished the recommended primary vaccine series — the lowest rate in Michigan since 2020. That leaves many children at risk and weakens community protection (public health experts generally say a 70% vaccination rate is the minimum for basic community protection).

Protecting my children and loved ones is my top priority. Staying on the CDC-recommended immunization schedule helps protect kids and teens from 16 vaccine-preventable diseases. This schedule has been carefully tested and reviewed by medical experts, and vaccines are safe and effective at preventing disease and outbreaks. For more on vaccine safety and importance, visit iVaccinate.org.

Healthy Eating Habits
Enjoy holiday treats, but try to keep meals balanced. Alongside desserts, include fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Keep healthy snacks ready — like cut fruit, veggies with dip, nuts, or jerky — so you can fill up on nutrient-rich foods as well as seasonal favorites.

Stay Active, Stay Merry
Keep moving together! Add physical activities to your holiday plans: a post-dinner walk, a family game, sledding, hiking, or a dance-off to holiday music. Staying active supports physical and mental well-being, and fresh air is a natural mood booster.

Mindful Moderation
Enjoy treats mindfully. Encourage smaller portions and savor each bite. It’s not about denying yourself, but finding balance and enjoying the season’s flavors.

Enough Rest and Relaxation
Amid the busyness, make sleep and downtime a priority. Keep a bedtime routine so everyone gets the rest they need. Good sleep helps your body and mind recover and feel their best.

Holiday Stress-Busters
Find ways to manage stress with deep breathing, short meditations, or activities that relax you. Talk openly with family about worries, take breaks when needed, and delegate tasks to lighten the load.

Prioritize Mental Health
Support each other and keep communication open. If holiday stress or emotional challenges become too much, consider professional help or counseling.

Spread Cheer, Not Germs
Practice good respiratory etiquette: cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow. If you’re sick, please stay home — no one wants the gift of germs this season.

The holidays are a time for celebration and gratitude, and for taking care of ourselves and those we love. By putting health and wellness first, everyone can enjoy the season safely. Wishing you a safe, healthy, and joyful holiday season!

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As parents, keeping our children safe and healthy is our top priority. In a world with many risks, taking simple, proactive steps can make a big difference. From vaccinations to teaching body boundaries, here are practical ways to support your child’s safety and well-being.

I’ve partnered with I Vaccinate to share my story, and this content is sponsored by I Vaccinate.

Nine important tips to help keep your kids healthy and safe:

1. Vaccinations: First line of defense
Vaccines are safe and one of the best ways to protect kids from serious illnesses. Making sure your child gets all recommended shots on schedule helps protect them and contributes to community immunity. With recent cases of measles appearing in Michigan for the first time since 2019, staying up to date with routine checkups and vaccines is more important than ever. Vaccines protect children and teens from 16 vaccine-preventable diseases, including measles, mumps, rubella, polio, and HPV (which can lead to several cancers). Vaccinating reduces the risk of outbreaks and helps protect people who can’t be vaccinated for medical reasons. As a mom and public health advocate, I rely on medical research to make decisions for my family. I chose to vaccinate my children because it’s a proven way to keep them safe. If you have questions, talk with your child’s pediatrician or visit reliable sources like IVaccinate.org.

2. Car seat safety: Buckle up every ride
Always use the right car seat or booster for your child’s age, weight, and height, and make sure it’s installed correctly. Children under 13 should ride in the back seat to lower the risk from airbags.

3. Helmets: Protect their heads
Whether they’re biking, skateboarding, or scooting, kids should wear a properly fitted helmet. Helmets greatly reduce head injury risk. Help build the habit by wearing one with them.

4. Teach body boundaries
Teach children that their bodies belong to them and they can say no to touch that makes them uncomfortable. Use age-appropriate language to explain consent and encourage them to speak up if someone crosses their boundaries—even if it’s someone they know.

5. Teach stranger safety
Talk to kids about how to stay safe around strangers. Teach basic rules, like not accepting gifts or rides without a parent’s permission and finding a trusted adult if they feel unsafe.

6. Healthy habits
Good habits support safety and growth. Encourage regular physical activity, balanced meals, and enough sleep. Kids learn by watching, so model healthy choices.

7. Set screen time limits
Limit screen time and make space for creative play, social time, and physical activity. Try screen-free moments during meals and before bedtime to build healthier habits.

8. Teach hygiene
Show kids why washing hands, brushing teeth twice a day, and covering coughs matter. Use gentle reminders and praise to reinforce these habits.

9. Be prepared for emergencies
Make sure your child knows their full name, address, and how to contact you or other trusted adults. Teach them how to call emergency services like 911 and basic first aid suited to their age. Keep a stocked first aid kit at home and in the car, and discuss a family plan for different emergencies.

Keeping children safe and healthy takes being informed, proactive, and consistent. Small steps and steady routines help create a safe space where kids can grow and thrive. Let’s prioritize our children’s well-being, one preventive step at a time.

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This post is sponsored by FLAVORx. All opinions are my own.

When your child is sick it’s stressful, and it’s even worse when they refuse medicine they need. I remember my youngest as a toddler with a bad ear infection who wouldn’t take his antibiotic. I had to remind myself of tips I’d learned working as a pharmacy technician—simple tricks pharmacists often share to help parents with stubborn kids.

Giving liquid medicine can lead to tears, tantrums, and longer illness if kids won’t take it. Whether it’s a short-term treatment or a daily medicine, there are things you can try to make it easier for both of you. If you’re asking “how can I get my child to take medicine?”, these tips should help.

8 Ways to Help Your Child Take Medicine

Have a positive attitude
Kids pick up on our emotions, so try to stay calm. If you get frustrated, they often act out more. Be steady and reassuring even when you’re irritated.

Improve the flavor with FLAVORx
Some medicines just taste awful, which is a big reason kids refuse them. FLAVORx lets pharmacies add kid-friendly flavors so the medicine tastes better. When I pick up prescriptions at CVS, I always ask for FLAVORx—it’s worth it to avoid the fight, and my kids love choosing the flavor. Flavors are sugar-free, gluten-free, dye-free, and casein-free. With more than 16 options that work with hundreds of drugs, there’s usually something even picky children will accept.

Talk it through
Ask your child what bothers them about the medicine and try to solve that problem. Explain why they need it, and make it clear it’s not a punishment. Be calm, firm, and understanding—you’re a team trying to get through this together.

Give them choices
Letting kids make small choices gives them a sense of control. Let them pick a FLAVORx flavor, how to take it (spoon, dosing cup, syringe), or where to take it (on your lap, in bed, on the couch). That little bit of control can cut down on resistance.

Fool the tongue
Use tricks to reduce the taste. A popsicle or ice cube before medicine can numb the tongue. Offer something sweet after (a spoonful of honey or a little chocolate syrup) to wash the taste away. Aim the medicine to the side of the mouth with a syringe to keep it away from most taste buds in the back.

Role play
Let little ones practice giving “medicine” to dolls or stuffed animals. Making it a game helps reduce fear and makes medicine time feel less scary.

Make it a routine
For medicines taken for a while or daily, build them into a routine. Give the medicine right before something they love—going outside, a favorite show, or playtime—so they have something to look forward to.

Reward them
Rewards can help motivate kids. Try a sticker chart or promise a small toy if they take their medicine all week. A little positive reinforcement goes a long way.

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