One of the scariest things for kids when visiting the doctor is the potential of getting a shot. As a parent, it is often difficult to console a child that is full of fear. It is important to explain to them that getting shots helps them stay healthy and makes them better when they are sick. Also explain that it only stings for a second and is over before they know it.

Read the Child a Story

Read your child his or her favorite story. This will keep their mind occupied. The doctor will be able to concentrate on administering the shot as well.

Hold Their Hand

Hold your child’s hand through the process of getting an immunization. Tell them to squeeze as tight as they can and it will make the sting go away. It is a psychological trick that often works.

Entertain Them with Handheld Games

Handheld games, or Leap Force products are great for keeping their minds distracted. They will be concentrating on the game and not on what the doctor is doing. Children are often very good at concentrating on visual stimulation and not on the activities around them.

Use Their Imaginary Happy Place

Children have vivid imaginations. Ask them what their happy place is and how to get there.  Specialists from Red Cell Medical Supply suggest that as the child tells the story, the doctor will be able to get in and administer the shot.

Cuddle Them

For smaller children, cuddling them a little and rubbing their back is the right trick. It makes them feel comfort. It is also a safety net that makes a child more calm and cooperative.

Talk About a Fun Outing

Keep your child’s mind busy with talking about something fun you’ve done together. It could also be something you plan to do soon. Again, this engages their mind and takes their concentration off of the doctor.

Offer a Reward for Being Tough

Children respond well to rewards for behaving or achieving a goal. Mention a special lunch or treat after the appointment. They will be focused on that and will let the doctor administer the shot.

Using the tips above will help you to calm your child while they get a shot. Being supportive and encouraging them during the process is very helpful. An aid to these tactics is asking the doctor to apply a topical numbing spray. This will help the sting be considerably less.