Teaching Kids to Swallow Pills: Child Life Tips and Tricks

Learning to swallow pills can be a major milestone—and a big challenge—for 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'll learn:

✅ Why pill swallowing is a learned skill that takes time and practice

✅ Tools and strategies to make learning fun and pressure-free

✅ How to create a pill-swallowing kit and step-by-step plan

✅ Creative tricks like affirmations, bingo, and candy practice

✅ Why early, low-stress practice is key—and how to know when to ask for more help

 

Timestamps & Key Topics

[00:00] – Meet Adina, CCLS
Child life journey and hospital experience in surgery and oncology

[06:00] – The First Pill Swallowing Consult
How a simple Facebook post launched a new resource

[08:00] – Why It's Not a One-and-Done Skill
Building confidence over weeks, not minutes

[09:00] – The Candy Ladder
Using sprinkles, Nerds, and Tic Tacs as practice tools

[11:00] – The Birth of a Resource
How Adina's workbook was created for families and clinicians

[12:00] – Unrealistic Hospital Expectations
Why pill swallowing consults need more time and less pressure

[14:00] – Every Kid Is Different
There's no one-size-fits-all technique—just trial, error, and support

[15:00] – Ideal Ages and Proactive Practice
Why second grade and up is a great place to start

[16:00] – What's in the Pill Swallowing Workbook?
Affirmations, tools, weekly trackers, tips & tricks, and more

[20:00] – Setting Up for Success
When to practice, how long, and how to keep stress low

[22:00] – Suggested 6–7 Week Practice Plan
Why taking your time is key to success

[23:00] – Incentives & Bingo
Making pill practice feel like play

[24:00] – How to Get the Resource
Details on accessing the workbook for families

Resources & Links

📌Illuminate Child Life Website

 

📥 Pill Swallowing Workbook 

 

📲 Download the SupportSpot app to get support for procedures and resources today!

 

 🎧 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.

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📩 Contact us: [email protected]

 

🎧 Listen Now and Learn How to Make Pill Swallowing Easier for Kids

 

 

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