Teaching Kids to Swallow Pills: Child Life Tips and Tricks
Inside the Children's Hospital
Release Date: 05/28/2025
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info_outlineLearning 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
📲 Download the SupportSpot app to get support for procedures and resources today!
🎧 More episodes: https://www.childlifeoncall.com/podcasts
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📩 Contact us: lyndsey@childlifeoncall.com
🎧 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.