Lessening Children’s Fear of Needles
Preparing, distracting, and comforting your child can go a long way in helping them get through these moments.
Before the Needle
- Be honest and calm as you prepare your child: Explain the process in an age-appropriate way — it might sting or pinch, but it will be quick. Focus on simple explanations of the end goal of staying healthy.
- Together, plan a small treat or reward for when it’s done.
- Bring along comfort items: Favorite toys, loveys, books, or blankets can help distract and soothe.
- Distract some more! Offer engaging activities, videos, or simple games.
- Ask about numbing options: Ask the doctor or nurse about numbing creams, sprays, or vibration devices to minimize the pain.
- Positioning: Your child might sit in your lap or chest-to-chest.
As It’s Happening
- Stay calm: Modeling calmness yourself can mean everything to your child!
- Belly breathing: Encourage your child to take slow, deep breaths before, during, and after the injection.
- Sing or hum together: The more distraction the better!
- Offer choices: Help children feel a sense of control — let them decide if they want to look away, get a “countdown,” be in your lap, and so on. They may also be able to choose which arm or finger the needle will go in.
- Offer encouragement: Use language that helps your child feel courageous and supported (“You’re being so courageous… I’m right here with you… almost done!”)
After It’s Over
- Reassure and comfort: Hold your child, offer a hug, or provide a comfort item. Tell them, “You did so well! I’m so proud of you. It’s all over!”
- Keep distracting: Keep using the distractions from earlier to help your child transition away from the experience.
- Celebrate! Acknowledge your child’s bravery and offer a small reward or treat.
And… watch this video in which Rosita’s mom helps her stay calm before a needle!
Many Ways to Be Healthy
Wellness looks different for every family. Read this article and consider what healthy means to you.
Healthy Together: Celebrating & Practicing Whole-Family Health
Use these whole-family activity pages to explore new ways to build healthy habits and take care of yourselves… as a family.
Sun’s Up, Sun’s Down: Healthy Families & Healthy Days
A storybook about all the healthy habits that make up our daily routines!
Sleepy Stars
Use this printable to try out some new wind-down strategies for bedtime.
Healthy Family Cheer
Three cheers for healthy habits! Celebrate your family’s efforts... big and small.
Rethinking Rest
Rest is about more than what happens when we close our eyes at night. Read and learn about the many kinds of rest.
Small Steps, Healthy Wins
A course for clinicians that offers evidence- and strengths-based guidance to aid in your work supporting families in building healthy habits that last a lifetime.
