Edit Article

Vaccinations are not much fun for kids and fear and crying are often the order of the day. However, it could just be your sympathy that is increasing the child's sense of pain. Here are some ideas to help soothe the way.

Ad

Steps

  1. Help Children Cope With Shots Step 1.jpg
    1
    Do not discuss the matter of the shots for ages ahead. In doing this, you begin to paint a picture in a young child's mind that something horrible is coming up and that it is something to be scared of.
    Ad
  2. Help Children Cope With Shots Step 2.jpg
    2
    Do discuss it close to the time. For very young kids, the day before is close enough, or even that morning. Tell them in a very matter-of-fact way that injections are important for good health and that they will keep your child safe from very bad diseases. It is OK to say that it might hurt a little at the time but make it clear that this pain doesn't last long.
  3. Help Children Cope With Shots Step 3.jpg
    3
    Do not console your child too much. Your child will pick up on your sympathy and react to it. Be supportive but don't keep saying sorry, or poor baby , etc. That is all guaranteed to get the waterworks flowing non-stop. Avoiding being too sympathetic will stop the sense in your child that such clamoring makes it worth the while inflating into extra pain for the extra attention.
  4. Help Children Cope With Shots Step 4.jpg
    4
    Be humorous and distract your child. Tell funny jokes before you go in for the shots. Read a book during the shots to keep your child distracted and looking away. Recall happy occasions with your child. Promise a visit to a favorite café, park or toyshop after the shots.
  5. Help Children Cope With Shots Step 5.jpg
    5
    Tell your child how brave he is after the shots. Appeal to his sense of pride at having dealt so well with the situation and coped with the pain. This is probably one of the best distractions of them all!
    Ad


We could really use your help!

Can you tell us about
motorcycles?
Can you help us
rate articles?
Yes
No
motorcycles
how to reupholster a motorcycle seat
how to reupholster a motorcycle seat
Can you tell us about
car maintenance?
Yes
No
car maintenance
how to jack up a car safely
how to jack up a car safely
Can you tell us about
storing food?
Yes
No
storing food
different ways to store herbs
different ways to store herbs
Can you tell us about
turf lawns?
Yes
No
turf lawns
how to prepare to lay turf lawns
how to prepare to lay turf lawns
Thanks for helping! Please tell us everything you know about
...
Tell us everything you know here. Remember, more detail is better.
Tips
Provide Details.
Please be as detailed as possible in your explanation. Don't worry about formatting! We'll take care of it. For example:
Don't say: Eat more fats.
Do say: Add fats with some nutritional value to the foods you already eat. Try olive oil, butter, avocado, and mayonnaise.
Submit

Tips

  • Find something the child can do during shots, such as blowing bubbles, a pinwheel, or holding a favorite soft toy. Some hospitals and doctors even pretend to give shots to the toy and then let children bandage their toy up afterward. This is not only fun for the child but also gives her a sense of control over the situation and places the onus on her to comfort her toy rather than focusing on her own pain.

Warnings

  • Be aware of signs of real pain beyond the initial hurting. If your child complains of itchiness, prolonged and severe pain, get immediate attention. Itchiness can be a sign of an allergic reaction and prolonged pain is also wrong. Do not dismiss these signs as mere childish malingering to seek attention; they are serious issues to be addressed as quickly as possible.

Things You'll Need

  • Items to distract your child (e.g., favorite stuffed animal, a pinwheel, bubble mix and blower)
  • Gold star for bravery
  • Visit to somewhere nice after

Related wikiHows

Calm an Upset or Angry Child

How to
Calm an Upset or Angry Child

Make Vaccinations Easier for Your Baby

How to
Make Vaccinations Easier for Your Baby

Help Your Child Overcome Fears

How to
Help Your Child Overcome Fears

Article Info

Categories: Childhood Fears and Phobias

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 3,816 times.

Did this article help you?
Yes No

Become
an Author!

Write an Article