So I prewarned DS1 this morning. I told him that he and I only (DS2 will stay at home) will go to the doctors...where the lady will put a little needle that might pinch a little (I showed him on his arm with a little pinch) and said it will only hurt a little bit and then he can have a treat (his request is for ice cream).
My brother came around and DS1 told him he is going to have a needle this afternoon- just mummy and he are going...his brother doesn't get to come...and the needle is so he doesn't get sick and go to hospital then he gets a surprise for being a brave boy and not crying after (i never mentioned about getting sick and going hospital or not crying...so i feel he seems to understand why we are doing it).
We pre-warned as well. Although it is unpleasant I didn't want DS to worry everytime we go to the doctors that he might be getting an injection. I tend to think that if I am open with him then he can trust that I will tell him. I didn't make a really big deal out of it though and did promise something good for afterwards. FWIW DS was actually far more resistant and upset to get his passport photo done than his needles. That was really a traumatic experience for me! I think it was because I didn't plan it so kind of sprung it on him when I saw a shop that would do it. He definitely reacts better when he knows whats going on.
We got DS1's needles done on Wednesday arvo. I think it went well. We had a 30minutes assessment with the clinic nurse (testing his development) they said he is rather developed for his age (actually on the higher side). We then had to wait about 10minutes for the doctors assessment...and while we were waiting DS1 mentioned said to me that they haven't given him his needle (almost concerned that they'd forgotten), I told him that we have to wait to see the doctor first. Even with the doctor he asked if she was doing the needle...but after another short wait then the clinic nurses did it.
He sat calmly in my lap...the tears welled but didn't drop. But as soon as the needles were done they had 2 blue jelly beans ready which fixed everything. As did the excitement of going to the maccas playground across the road straight after. He said it only hurt a little bit- just pinch.
So I am glad I prewarned. He was ok to be down at the doctors and understood why it had to be done. So I would also recommend to prewarn (depending on your child and how you think they'd handle knowing what was coming of course)
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