Would you tell your 3 1/2 yr old he's going to have an injection?

Question

my son is due his vaccine in a couple of weeks time and i'm not sure whether to tell him in advance or not, and if i do tell him and he asks "will it hurt", do i say "yes"???

i can't remember what i told my older son when he had his done 3 yrs ago but i do remember him being incredibly upset, and he kept jumping off the needle and it was all pretty distressing.

i'd just like some advice from some people who have either been through it or are about to go through it.

Answer 1

I wouldn't bring it up ahead of time, but when you get there before they are about to do it just let him know that he needs a shot and pinch his hand gently and let him know that it will just feel like a litle pinch. :) No need to worry him now, but don't just stick him in the arm without talking him through it.

Answer 2

Yes, warn him that he will be going to the doctors to get an immunisation, explain it will good for him, but don't go into detail on the needle as they try not to show the needle anyway. Take him out for ice cream after and get him some stickers as a reward for being so brave. He should feel quite chuffed with himself.

Answer 3

Well, I wouldn't say "yes" if he asks, as that will just make him more anxious. What I would do is ask your doctor for an EMLA prescription (if you were in the UK I have some I could send you, but I suspect you're not), which can be applied 1 hour in advance so that he doesn't feel anything at all.

Then when it's done, perhaps a treat; a trip out somewhere, or a new toy.

Some kids are more tolerant than others. I know of someone whose 15-month-old daughter didn't even flinch when she had hers - any of them - right from 1 month. Didn't bother her in the slightest.

You might be amazed how well he takes it. The practice nurses I've known have been fantastic with kids (I don't have any myself but I have friends with kids) - and there's always the ubiquitous lolly jar! Every nurse's office has one.

Answer 4

Tell him the truth!  They will put some 'magic' cream or spray on to numb the area.  Tell him he will feel a tiny scratch but it isn't bad and you think he will hardly notice it as he is so brave.  They will have toys and stuff there to distract when needle goes in. Try not to get uptight yourself as he will pick it up from you. Say that it is important, everyone has to have to have it done at some time, and that it saves  people from getting ill.  Give him honest answers.Or he will never trust you again.

Answer 5

Make a deal with him. Tell him if hes get his shots he gets ice cream or candy

Answer 6

i would but tell him hes gonna b ok