My Son is having a Blood Test. Should i tell him ?

Question

He's 4 years old. Having a Blood Test soon.

Haven't told him - because he hate needles. Freaks around them.

How long in advance should i tell him ?? Would love advice please.

Answer 1

tough one - my 6-year old had blood tests about the same age but he wasn't scared of needles. I told him the day before by explaining that the white blood cells were his army men that fight the bad bugs that make him sick and the doctors needed to make sure his army was ok and had all the bullets and supplies they needed. That it would pinch at first but blowing and squeezing your eyes shut really helps and if he wanted to yell he could and mommy will be right there to help you through it. And that we would go to the dollar store for a new toy right after. We practiced blowing and the eyes and yelling before we got there and he did great!

Answer 2

My daughter used to have the same reaction, even to this day and she is almost 40! Best advice is to tell him before hand, tell him you will be there with him, and ask the clinic you are having the test done, to use the thinnest needle possible. Sometimes they use the old "standard" and it is thicker. I would also request the "best" technician they have, because some people really botch at drawing blood, others you never knew the needle went in. I would tell him you will treat him afterward to lunch, or whatever is "special" to him so he has that to look forward to. It helped me going through these various steps, but the outcome was the same, lots of tears and fear. At least you can give it a try! Best of luck!

Answer 3

My daughter has blood drawn every 3 weeks and has had it done for months (she is 16 months now). If you bring up the idea of needles with him, he'll freak. Tell him just before the test, and have a distraction ready for him.

Remember, he'll have an ouch for a second - this is not a spinal tap or an amputation. He'll be reading your apprehension, try to be as calm as possible. My daughter does not cry for her blood draws at all (anymore) and she has had enough done that she knows she is going to the place where she gets a poke and a special cuddle.

Try to be calm - your worry will upset him far more than the poke, and if he is not still so they can find the vein, he'll have to be restrained, eand that will upset him more than the blood draw itself.

Good luck.

Answer 4

I usually try to prepare my son for something I expect will bother him, but not too far in advance. Maybe mention off handedly the day before that your going to the doctor tomorrow, then on the day of the appointment do a brief run down of the day's schedule, then on the way to the appointment a brief run down of the expected appointment (Ok, we'll get there, you can play with the toys in the corner while I sign you in, the nurse will call us back and check your height and weight, we'll talk to the doctor, get some blood taken, then head out to the pizza place for lunch!). Every child is different, but my son seems to prefer to know what's happening in advance. Whatever you decide, try to keep yourself relaxed, particularly during the actual drawing of the blood. And whatever you do, don't LIE! You and your child both know it's going to hurt, so don't bother telling him it won't. Just let him know you're there and it will only hurt for a second.

Good luck!

Answer 5

I would wait until you are there or on the way there. My stepdaughter had to get her 4 yr shots and her mother told her about it 3 weeks before hand. She was worried about it for weeks and kept bringing it up. Then started crying when we got there. It was an awful experience for me and her dad. I never tell my sons until they are just ready to do it. Then they have no time to worry and it's over in a second. Afterwards we will go get a treat for them being such big boys.

Answer 6

just tell him that day, like you're in the exam room and tell him that you have a surprise! tell him that he has to get a blood test, but he will get a cool band-aid and sucker for being such a big boy!

be sure to have the cool band-aid and sucker with you.

if it helps, maybe you can get one first...that way he can see that it's no big deal.

personally, i had allergy shots since i was little and it bothered me the first time, but after that it was no problem.

the more it happens, the easier it is. needles don't phase me a bit.

take care:)

Answer 7

he is going to throw a fit
don't tell him at all or he will not come with you at all
just wait until the doctor asks to give him his arm and brings out the needle.
im or email me if you need more help