- Consider reading stories about what happens when you visit the doctor.
- For young children (under 4 years of age), describe how the injection will feel (e.g., like a pinch) just before the visit; prepare older children the day before.
- Tell your child what they can do to ease the discomfort (e.g., sit still, breathe deeply, and relax the arm).
- Talk with your child about their feelings and let them ask questions.
- Be a role model for your child by staying calm and talking positively.
- Distract your child with a favourite toy, blanket, book, music, singing, or telling a joke or a story.
- Tell your child to take a deep breath and to blow it out slowly.
- Hold your child securely in a comforting hug, sitting upright on your lap, facing forward, or facing you, with the arm exposed. Older children can sit alone if they wish.
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