Taking enzymes alone

[lovemygirl]

My daughter is 6 yrs old and we want her to take more responsibility for taking her enzymes. At what age do you send your kids to a friends with enzymes and let them handle it on their own? How do they carry them around without being a nuisance, or left behind?
Up until now I have given them to the parents and let them take care of it. Sometimes I feel uncomfortable giving them to the parents because I'm afraid they will think that I expect them to feed her.

 

[coltsfan715]

I didn't start having the responsibility of taking my meds on my own til I was in my teens. One thing that my parents and I did though was to have extra meds at my best friends' homes. The places that I went most often that way if I was there and last minute wanted to stay the night I could without worrying about meds .. other than aerosols, but they would let me skip one every now and then.

I personally wouldn't expect a kid to be ready for taht responsibility on their own until they are at least 10 or so. They have to be able to understand the reasoning behind taking them I think .. so that they really see the importance of taking them vs. not taking them.

Thoughts from a CFer and not a parent, but wanted to share my experience with you.

Have a good one,
Lindsey

 

[cfmomma]

my son, who is also 6, takes them by himself most of the time. I was skeptical that he could do it on his own, but I was suprised how well he took to it. He can swallow four pills at a time, his school nurse taught him. I found these cheap disposable plastic containers at a food supply store and fill each one with 4 enzymes. All he has to do is grab a container when he eats. My mom keeps a bottle of enzymes at her house, but she does not allow him to do it on his own. He is very proud of his "enzyme independence", but he will not do breathing treatments on own. I am too afraid he won't do it right or not completely. Take small steps with your daughter and get a feel for what she is ready for.
Lindsey's idea of keeping some at a friends house is awesome. My son is having his first "sleepover" this week and I haven't even thought about how he will do his medicine and treatments, AAGGHH!

 

[welshgirl]

my son is 8 and is not responsible enough to take his creon without prompting. i know what you meant about peeps thinking you expect your child to be fed though<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif" border="0"> i can always tell when he has eaten without taking his enzymes (oily poops) i must say 20 times a day "have you taken your tablets?" i hope things change sometime soon!!!!<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

 

[JazzysMom]

I started immediately after dx at 7. I did it with my CF meds & then with my epilepsy meds when I had my first seizure. I also would tell my parents when I was getting low........its different for every kid. Just like letting them walk to school. Some care able to start earlier than others.

 

[thelizardqueen]

I started taking my own meds at the age of 7. My mum wanted to teach me to be responsible right away, but I suppose it all depends on the individual. If you know that your kid is responsible and can handle it, then go for it. If not, wait until you think he/she is ready.

 

[lovemygirl]

Thanks for the replies. I know she is responsible enough to take them on her own without prompting (100% sure she is ready). I guess what I am more concerned about is how she keeps them with her without losing them. I have started to let her carry a little purse but I know it will be lost soon. She is good about taking her pills but not the most organized kid on the block.<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif" border="0">
I heard of someone sewing little pockets in all their childs clothes but I think that is a little extreme.

 

[wanderlost]

I started on my own about age 5-6, when I started school. I have to say though, I did go through a spell at school where I did not take them - I didn't want to, it wasn't really irresponsibility, as in forgetting, and I ended up with a bowel obstruction! So I'd say as long as you talk about it and remind her and ask if she remembered (my parents STILL ask me sometimes - I usually resond, "no, I don't take those anymore, didn't you hear?" <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> very annoying, but they mean well!) I am sure she'll do fine. it is important for kids to be able to do it alone, as they get older and they are away from you more and more.

 

[2005CFmom]

I've been looking into the same thing. Awhile ago there was a post that mentioned key chain pill holders and I've been considering getting one for Sarah. You could hook it on a belt loop so it wouldn't be lost or left behind.

Here is a link to the ones mentioned in the post.
<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.medids.com/PILL_PAL.html
">http://www.medids.com/PILL_PAL.html
</a>
The small ones don't hold very many pills, so I would definately get the largest one.