Get a Shot
Children must have many shots before they begin school. Making the procedure appear as routine as possible is the key to allaying your child's fears. Adults may benefit from this information as well.
Instructions
1. Choose a pediatrician that you have confidence in.
2. Present a blase, everything-is-routine attitude and your child will be more relaxed during pediatrician visits. Talking to your child and trying to reassure him before he gets his shots is not terribly effective, especially for children under 8 years old.
3. Let the doctor and nurse handle your child. Don't cling to him. The doctor and nurse know what they are doing. This will help instill in your child confidence in his pediatrician.
4. Ask your child to count to three when it is time to get the shot. This will distract him.
5. Put special, fun adhesive bandages over the injection site. Most pediatricians and hospitals apply child-friendly bandages, such as ones with Scooby Doo or Barney pictured on them.
6. Give your child stickers as a reward. Most pediatricians give out stickers or other small baubles. These will divert the child from thinking about the shot he just got and put his mind onto other things.
7. Praise your child when you leave the pediatrician's office. Don't say things like, "I know how awful it is to get a shot." Instead, say things like, "You acted so grown-up in the doctor's office. I am so proud of you."
8. Keep some fun adhesive bandages in the bathroom cupboard. If your child wants a fresh bandage over the injection site, give him one.
Tags: your child, adhesive bandages, doctor nurse, injection site, Most pediatricians, over injection, over injection site
