Earlier my daughter (just turned 16 this month) was complaining about a headache so I told her to come here and I would give her an advil and she told me she already took 2. This might sound silly, but do you think she's old enough to decide when she needs medicine and take it herself or should I still be the one to give it to her? I just don't want her to take to many or take one every time she feels a little ache somewhere.
2007-02-27 17:36:30 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Parenting
It depends on the maturity level of the child. If she said she took the directed amount (2) and was smart enough to tell you instead of just accepting another, then it seems like she's old enough for the responsibility.
You should have a quick talk though about cross medicating, and allergies, as well as the dangers of alcohol, or side effects that may cause complications for her.
.
2007-02-27 17:47:27 · answer #1 · answered by JimsShip 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think that you need to go on past track records for her. If she seems to overdue things you may want to keep an eye on her to make sure she is not popping them like candy. Advil(ibuprofen) also can be harsh on the stomach. Some people can get bad irritations in ther stomach from over use of Advil. Make sure the pain isn't caused by her overuse of it. You may want her to find an alternative medicine for her headache. If her headaches are often and she is always taking pain meds, maybe you should help her find relief from non-meds, like hot compress for her head, back off on the caffeine(pop), the amount of time on the computer can hurt your eyes and cause headaches, stuff like that. Just moniter her and watch for any signs.
2007-02-28 02:52:53 · answer #2 · answered by redmama 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My kids self medicated at the age of 13. Always explain to the child that they need to come to you or an adult to discuss their pain. The child also needs to know that they must read all directions on all medicines, and explain to them about overdosing, and over medicating, and the dangers of not following the directions. Once they understand that medicines are medicines and not candy, and they understand the seriousness of medicines and that they can cause illness, as well than I would monitor them for a while until you feel safe to let them do it on their own.
2007-02-28 03:30:26 · answer #3 · answered by joi w 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well I think she's old enough that if she has a headache where to get meds for it...All she has to do is read the instructions on the pacakge...frankly I think you're being quite a bit overly protective that just might lead her to taking too many because she won't know HOW to take them. My daugher was "self medicating" when she reached puberty. She would come to me for midol she came to me for the bottle of motrin for aches and pains...funny she never seemed to OD she's still around at 21.
2007-02-28 03:22:08 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think at about fourteen they should be able to self-medicate for headaches, colds, and other common illnesses. After all kids can read can't they? As long as parents have talked to their kids about overdosing, reading label carefully, and taking only one medication at a time kids [especially teens] should be okay. Teens need independence--this is one of those battles that you need to let go choose a better one to fight. Keep an eye on all of the medications in your home to make sure she isn't abusing them but let her decide when she needs medicine. Best of Luck!
2007-02-28 01:50:28 · answer #5 · answered by .vato. 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think 16 is OK but with [a little] parental supervision.Your right, you can't just let them keep poppin' the aspirin but you also have to give them some allowance to make there own decisions. This is a very tough question and I am really not qualified to make a solid decision. Its tough raising kids in there teens, I know, I've been there[3 girls].
2007-02-28 11:02:52 · answer #6 · answered by don 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes she is old enough to decide for herself. But I would tell her that she needs to tell you when she does. And ask her what she is taking also. That way you can keep track of what she is taking and how much and you can tell her if you think she is taking to much or not. Or if she is taking the wrong thing.
2007-02-28 01:50:50 · answer #7 · answered by homeatlast2110 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Diabetics who need insulin are taught to self inject at 8, possibly even younger.
So, it depends on the medication I suppose.
2007-02-28 01:46:02 · answer #8 · answered by Alan 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
18 or at least in a touring rock band.
2007-02-28 01:42:53 · answer #9 · answered by Randall A 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋