Make vaccinations less painful for your children

Needles? Injections? Vaccinations? Er, no way. But with school starting in a few weeks (and my youngest heading to kindergarten), I've had nothing else on my mind.

Unfortunately, like most children, mine hates shots -- so what's a mom (or dad) to do?

Well, when infants get shots perhaps the most important thing you can do is stay calm, cool and collected. Not always easy, I know. Babies can't talk, but they do sense fear and anxiety, especially in their parents. So if you feel yourself becoming anxious, try and take deep breaths to relax your muscles.

If that's not working, here are a few other strategies that may work:

• Blow bubbles. Your child's eyes will follow them instead of the syringe. Even better: Let her blow them herself.
• Do some magic tricks. "Which hand has the red ball?" or "Did that quarter just come out of your ear?"
  
• Sing or read. Hum along to a favorite tune or a soothing lullaby. Or read a book with interesting pictures - preferably one that never fails to inspire giggles.
• Bring out the technology. A Gameboy (or similar) may keep your child busy.
  

Preparing older children (like my son) is a little different. In this case, I feel that honesty is the best medicine. Be honest and tell your child that the shot will probably hurt. I usually compare the pain to that of a mosquito bite, and emphasize that it will probably last only a few seconds. My kids trust me, I also tell them when medicine is going to taste bad -- I usually taste it first and give them an honest description of what they will experience.

Just keep in mind that most people, regardless of age, don't like to get shots. Adults typically submit to injections because we realize that the benefit of the medication is worth the pain. With your help, your children will learn how to do this, too.

How do you prepare your children for their shots?