Asthma is a common chronic condition in children affecting about 1 in 12 children in the US. Keeping asthma symptoms well controlled helps your child  engage in normal play and outdoor time more freely!

But, getting them to take their medications can be quite the challenge. So, how can you make this easier?

Here are 6 key tips.

1. Have your doctor teach you the technique & check technique at each visit, especially as your child grows. Babies may require a face mask and many toddlers may require a space. Ensuring your technique is correct is vital to making sure enough of the medication in the inhaler is able to reach their lungs! Often time, mismanaged asthma can be due to incorrect technique. 

2. Watch videos with your child to help them understand and become more familiar with inhalers. 

3. Have them watch you use it first so they are less scared of it. We all know much much kids like to copy us!

4. Practice slow, deep breaths and/or holding breaths for a few seconds - however they should be breathing for their inhaler. Make it a game - sing or count or make noises in between to help them stay engaged. Do it as part of your routine with them!

5. Make sure your child is in a comfortable position. For babies this might be lying down. For toddlers, have them sit upright, sometimes in your lap, so they are relaxed. 

6. Lastly make it FUN and part of your regular routine! Have them decorate their inhalers with stickers. Watch a show or sing a song or make it into a story to tell them!