He is 5 years old.This is his first blood test so not sure how he'll react.
Can i sit him on my lap ? - this way i can comfort him & hold him still.
Whats the best way to keep him from moving ? I know he's gonna hate it - & scream the place down.
2007-01-16 11:03:17 · 18 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
make sure you are relaxed and dont make a big deal out of it. Offer him a new toy or something
2007-01-16 11:07:20 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
He's probably going to kick and scream and try to get away. This is extremely normal. Sometimes I feel like doing this myself! Needles really suck! Take along something that's comforting to him, like a favorite book or a blanket that he sleeps with, or even a favorite toy. Be honest with him. Maybe you could buy a little toy doctors kit and "practice" on each other. Try to make him unafraid of what's going to happen. There will most likely be some kicking and screaming, but at least he'll be a little more aware of what is going on. Good luck! This is something that I'm definitely not looking forward to!
2007-01-16 22:54:24 · answer #2 · answered by Megan 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all, DO NOT tell him that it won't hurt. It will hurt a little, as you well know, & he will never trust you again. Perhaps you could take one of his favorite toys or stuffed animals with you. It'd be great if you are allowed to have him sit on your lap while the blood test is being done, but if you can't, just hold his hand or stroke his arm. Keep talking to him to comfort him & tell him what a big boy he is. Usually, they pass out candy or cookies after a blood test.
2007-01-16 19:11:57 · answer #3 · answered by Shortstuff13 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have just had this experience with my 4 year old boy, what worked for me was to role play the experience beforehand. We role played it for an hour or so, and in doing so he knew what to expect. The first time I took him through the process, guiding him through the sensations he could expect.
Then it was his turn to be the doctor and he had to guide me through the process, all the while making me feel calm and relaxed.
The role playing went well and the blood test was amazing. I do the same for vaccinations too. It really works like a charm. The next visit is the Dentist, so I hope it will work for that too.
2007-01-17 00:42:22 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The best way to keep him calm is to be calm yourself. If you get upset or try too hard to keep him from being upset, it will just make him think that there must be some reason to panic.
Tell him that the doctor needs to test his blood. The nurse will have to poke him a little but it will be over quickly. Tell him that you know he is unhappy about it but it is important to have it done. And tell him that you are going to help him hold still.
Tell him something fun that you will do when it is done -- get an ice cream, buy a toy --whatever works for you.
One of my kids had a lot of blood tests done. I was able to hold her on my lap.
And kids usually understand that you are trying to help them --they don't hold a grudge!!
2007-01-16 19:18:45 · answer #5 · answered by Marilyn E 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, one thing you need to do is not make a big deal out of it yourself. Tell him ahead of time what is going to take place and why but don't make a big deal out of it. And promise him a reward for being good. And, depending on how you are with needles, perhaps if mom got a blood test first it might make him feel better about it. Let him bring his favourite stuffed animal with him. Also, tell him about MONSTER FACES. If he makes a really scary face it will scare the pain away. The child will be distracted by trying to make a really ugly face instead of paying attention to the needle.
2007-01-16 19:09:47 · answer #6 · answered by tas211 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is not other way. Your son will push you away and it will take a few people to hold him down since this is his first blood test. It took like about 5 to 10 people to hold my daughter down when she was your sons age. Even for eye drops. It won't be easy but it will hurt you and might make you cry. But when it's done please confort your son right away and tell him if its lunch time take him out or take him to the park and he will feel better. Good luck
2007-01-20 10:23:22 · answer #7 · answered by daughterpictures 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Call up the place where you're getting the blood test done and ask if they carry Elma Cream. If they do, you'll need a presciption from your Dr. for it. Call them up and have them fax one to the place that's doing the blood work. If they don't carry it, ask where it can be gotten at.
Elma cream is a topical numbing agent used for children who are afraid of the pain a shot or blood work causes. It has to be put on a hour before the bloodwork is done, but it numbs the area nicely.
I have an Autistic child that's terrified of needles. It's helped him a lot.
2007-01-16 19:14:34 · answer #8 · answered by Voice 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Prepare him. Tell him he's going to get a stick in his arm/finger. Tell him it will feel like a pinch for a second. Act like it's no big deal. It's when they go to a strange place and don't know what to expect they freak out. Unfortunately, he might freak anyway. You have to hold him tight and hug him when it's done!! He'll be fine. One of my sons had to have surgery and I prepared him for the gas mask and 2 weeks later he had to have another surgery. He was all excited about his "special" mask. It's all about how you present the situation and act about it. They take their cues from their parents. If you are calm they are.
2007-01-16 20:53:24 · answer #9 · answered by BoredinVA 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
'micklips' is ridiculous and should refrain from answering if thats the only thing you have to say!
Yes hold him studies have proven that this lowers childrens heart rates and helps sooth them. Have a treat planned for afterwards that he can talk about and really play it up. Maybe bring a juice box and snack with you so he has immediate satisfaction and a distraction. Most of all dont make a really big deal be calm and he will be too.
2007-01-16 19:09:38 · answer #10 · answered by siriusblossom 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes he will find it to be uncomfortabe and distressful. Rest assured your pediatrician's office is used to dealing with anxiety; nobody likes to have their blood drawn, especially children. Please know that he will sense your anxiety as well and it is very important that you remain calm. Most parents find it more rewarding for them and helpful for their child to provide words of comfort and reassurance from somewhere nearby and leave the holding, the hugging to follow the procedure. Again while he won't enjoy it, there is no reason to have him associate you directly with this distressful situation.
Good Luck,
robnshrn
Pediatric MD
2007-01-16 19:13:30 · answer #11 · answered by Robert W 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋