{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Teaching Kids to Swallow Pills: Child Life Tips and Tricks","description":"Learning to swallow pills can be a major milestone\u2014and a big challenge\u2014for many kids. In this episode, certified child life specialist Adina Levitan joins host Katie Taylor to break down the myths, fears, and best practices behind teaching children how to confidently swallow pills. From her clinical expertise to creative solutions like affirmations, games, and candy "pill" practice, Adina walks us through her unique approach to supporting kids and parents through this skill-building process. Whether you're a caregiver, clinician, or a parent trying to help your child at home, this episode is packed with insight, encouragement, and practical steps you can start today. In this episode, you\u2019ll learn: \u2705 Why pill swallowing is a learned skill that takes time and practice \u2705 Tools and strategies to make learning fun and pressure-free \u2705 How to create a pill-swallowing kit and step-by-step plan \u2705 Creative tricks like affirmations, bingo, and candy practice \u2705 Why early, low-stress practice is key\u2014and how to know when to ask for more help   Timestamps & Key Topics [00:00] \u2013 Meet Adina, CCLS Child life journey and hospital experience in surgery and oncology [06:00] \u2013 The First Pill Swallowing Consult How a simple Facebook post launched a new resource [08:00] \u2013 Why It\u2019s Not a One-and-Done Skill Building confidence over weeks, not minutes [09:00] \u2013 The Candy Ladder Using sprinkles, Nerds, and Tic Tacs as practice tools [11:00] \u2013 The Birth of a Resource How Adina\u2019s workbook was created for families and clinicians [12:00] \u2013 Unrealistic Hospital Expectations Why pill swallowing consults need more time and less pressure [14:00] \u2013 Every Kid Is Different There\u2019s no one-size-fits-all technique\u2014just trial, error, and support [15:00] \u2013 Ideal Ages and Proactive Practice Why second grade and up is a great place to start [16:00] \u2013 What\u2019s in the Pill Swallowing Workbook? Affirmations, tools, weekly trackers, tips & tricks, and more [20:00] \u2013 Setting Up for Success When to practice, how long, and how to keep stress low [22:00] \u2013 Suggested 6\u20137 Week Practice Plan Why taking your time is key to success [23:00] \u2013 Incentives & Bingo Making pill practice feel like play [24:00] \u2013 How to Get the Resource Details on accessing the workbook for families Resources & Links \ud83d\udcccIlluminate Child Life Website   \ud83d\udce5 Pill Swallowing Workbook    \ud83d\udcf2 Download the SupportSpot app to get support for procedures and resources today!    \ud83c\udfa7 More episodes: https:\/\/www.childlifeoncall.com\/podcasts   Share Your Thoughts Has your child struggled to swallow pills? What strategies worked for you? Share your story or tag us with your own tips on Instagram. \ud83c\udf99\ufe0f Subscribe & Review: Help more families discover these tools by leaving a review. \ud83d\udce9 Contact us: lyndsey@childlifeoncall.com   \ud83c\udfa7 Listen Now and Learn How to Make Pill Swallowing Easier for Kids     The Child Life On Call Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. The content shared in each episode, including stories, discussions, and interviews, is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you heard on this podcast. The views and opinions expressed by guests on the Child Life On Call Podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Child Life On Call. Child Life On Call does not endorse any specific medical treatments, procedures, or opinions shared in the podcast. If you or your child are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or seek immediate medical attention. By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge that Child Life On Call and its affiliates are not responsible for any decisions made based on the information provided. ","author_name":"Inside the Children's Hospital","author_url":"http:\/\/insidethechildrenshospital.com","html":"