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My son dreads going to see the doctor after one bad experience with needles. I find it hard to get him to want to go, even if he's not going to get a shot.

Kids tend to relate that one bad time to all visits to the doctor to come.
One thing I noticed, is that the doctor who administered the shot pulled the needle out right in front of my son. I feel this is the biggest reason for fear in kids, because they can see the needle.

What I did before I took my son in for a shot, was to ask the doctor not to pull the needle out until I had my son distracted. Kids have to be distracted or they will freak out once they see how big the needle is.

What I did to comfort and distract my son.

(Infant-toddler)

1. I would have him sit facing toward me.

2. I let him play with something that would really take his attention away from anything
else. I would bring in anything that made noise(preferably musical).

3. Another good thing to have is a bottle or pacifier. We all know those to be very
comforting for them.

As kids get older the same things that worked when they were younger, may not work anymore. When my son was about 5 and it came time for him to get all of his school shots, he was well aware of what was going on.

(Children 5 and older)

1. I still sat him facing toward me so that he didn't see the needle. Of course in a
separate chair if you have a bigger child.

2. I took in headphones for him to listen to which really kept him at ease.

3. He would also carry a squishy ball for him to hold onto in one of his hands. That was
very soothing for him.

Now of course you can't expect that kids will just sit there, even though they are distracted. Once you get their arms prepped to get the shot, kids are well aware of what is about to take place, so I would still have to have a firm grip on the arm that the shot would be administered to. The key is to gently give their arm to the doctor, without startling the child and make sure they don't turn around.

Another key problem: The doctor told me, "I have other kids to see, we will have to speed this up." I would prefer that my child be comfortable (should not take more than 10 minutes) rather than my child be in needless pain from being exasperated and afraid. Some parents won't speak up because they think the doctor is "always right". Don't be afraid to speak up. This is your child and you can't have them being afraid to see the doctor.

Note: It will take more time if your child is kicking and screaming, trust me, I know. So make your child as comfortable as possible. It will be easier for the doctor to give the shot, better for the child in the long run and better on your nerves.

If you're anything like me, you cry when your child cries and to see my little man so afraid, hurt my feelings. When I devised a way to make him more comfortable, rather than someone rushing and jabbing him with a needle, everything was definitely more calming for the both of us. Afterward, I reward my little man with ice cream, a trip to the park, or by letting him pick a fun activity he wanted to do.
It is always important to reward them for their bravery.

Learn more about this author, Yolanda Sentman.
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