What technique can help a child swallow oral medication more easily?

Holding the cheeks and stroking the chin is an effective technique to help a child swallow oral medication more easily. This method encourages the child to open their mouth and can provide comfort, making the experience less stressful. By holding the cheeks, the caregiver can guide the position of the mouth, and stroking the chin can stimulate swallowing reflexes, making it easier for the child to take the medication.

In contrast, holding the child's head back may actually make swallowing more difficult and can increase the risk of choking. Pulling the cheeks apart might not effectively assist in the swallowing process and could cause discomfort to the child. Pushing the tongue down could provoke a gag reflex and make the situation worse rather than helping. Therefore, the technique of holding the cheeks and stroking the chin is the most supportive and effective method for ensuring that a child can swallow their medication successfully.