Role-Play Practice: Talking About the Pill

Assist your child in understanding what the pill is, why it’s used, and how to take it.

Step 1: Set the scene

• Choose a quiet, safe space.
  

• Have a pill packet (real or empty) to show.
  

• Keep sentences short and clear.
  

Step 2: Script (Parent = P, Child = C)

P: “This is a pill. It’s a small tablet.”
(Show the packet. Let your child look and touch if they want.)

C: “What does it do?”
P: “The pill helps stop pregnancy. Some people take it so they don’t get pregnant.”

C: “Why every day?”
P: “The pill only works if it’s taken every day. Like brushing your teeth — we do it every day to stay healthy.”

C: “What if I forget?”
P: “If we forget, the pill may not work. We can use a reminder, like an alarm on the phone, or a pill box.”
(Show a simple pill box or phone alarm as an example.)

C: “Does it hurt?”
P: “No, swallowing a pill doesn’t hurt. Some people may feel side effects, like sore tummy or headache, but we can talk to a doctor if that happens.”

C: “Do I have to take it forever?”
P: “No. You can stop if you don’t want it anymore. We just tell the doctor or nurse.”

Step 3: Practice together

• Let your child pretend to take a “pill” (use a sweet or vitamin for practice).
  

• Use a visual schedule (morning routine with a picture of a pill).
  

• Practice saying: “I take my pill every day.”
  

Step 4: Reassure and repeat

• Keep role play short and positive.
  

• Repeat on different days so the idea becomes familiar.
  

• Praise your child for joining in:
  

• “Great job listening!”
  

• “You remembered what the pill does.”
  

Parent tip!
Keep the focus on choice and support. Always remind your child that they can always ask questions and that trusted adults (parents, doctors, nurses) are there to help.