When caring for a child who takes prescription medication for whatever reason, parents or other guardians may be worried about dosages and effects. This is why if you are caring for a child who is required to take medications, it is important to monitor them. There should always be a guardian present to be sure that the child is taking the correct dosage. This seems to be a pretty obvious warning, because overdosing is one of the biggest fears when handling any sort of prescription medication. But some parents or guardians may begin to allow their child to be in charge of their own medicine consumption if they are beginning to get older. This is understandable, because children need to grow and learn more independent living. But the parent or guardian should still take measures to monitor their behavior and general health while on whatever prescribed medications. Things like mood, restfulness, and other health issues should be paid close attention to for any side effects or signs that the medication is not being taken properly. Some parents or guardians may even choose to document their observations, depending on the situation. If a doctor prescribes medication for your child, communicate with them how else you can most effectively monitor its usage and effects.