scarlet If the child is willing, show him or her how to put the pill on the back of the tongue and swallow it with a drink or with a halfteaspoonful of ice cream, applesauce, or jelly. It's also possible to buy a special glass that delivers the pill into the mouth automatically with the first gulp of liquid. Whenever a child is taking a pill, watch to be sure that the medication goes down smoothly and that the child is in no danger of choking. A final caution: Don't ever try to fool a child into taking medication by saying that it's candy or just like candy. Many cases of drug poisoning have occurred in children who helped themselves to medications that looked or tasted like candy. Many doctors even discourage the use of children's vitamin pills that are sweet, brightly colored, or shaped like cartoon characters. Such products blur the distinction in the child's mind between candy and drugs, and the child may make a tragic mistake. The medicine chest When you assemble a home medicine chest, buy only the most basic items without the advice oj a doctor. Although most of the medications your child will take will be on a doctor's prescription, there are certain items every parent ought to have on hand at home. Some of these are medications that you can buy without a prescription at your drugstore. Other items, like a thermometer, are basics of a home health care kit. You'll also need antiseptics, ointments, gauze pads, and bandages in preparation for the inevitable bangs, scrapes, cuts, and other minor crises of childhood. When you're assembling this kit, however, remember a few safety rules: • Do not buy or administer any but the most basic drugs without the advice of a doctor. • Only buy medications in containers that have childproof caps. Keep all medications in their original, clearly labeled containers. • Unless your child takes a prescription medication on a regular basis, do not keep leftover medicines. Flush liquids, pills, and capsules down the toilet, and throw out the containers. • Keep all medications locked away from children. If you and your young child are visiting friends who do not have children, make sure that no dangerous substances are within reach of the child. The following basic medical supplies should see you through most nonemergency situations: Acetaminophen Adhesive bandages (assorted sizes, including "butterfly" bandages) Adhesive tape Antibiotic ointment Antiseptic solution and soap Aspirin Decongestant Emetic (syrup of ipecac) Rolls of knitted bandage Lubricant (petroleum jelly and a watersoluble gel) Nasal aspirator Nose drops Sterile gauze pads (various sizes) Thermometer ASPIRIN AND ACETAMINOPHEN Aspirin is probably the most commonly used home remedy of all and the one parents think of at once in the face of any crisis. Acetaminophen is a nonaspirin alternative with similar properties. Both are available as flavored, chewable tablets and in liquid form. (Aspirin rectal suppositories are also available, but this form is not recommended for children. three-day