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Many parents know that a needle is in their kid’s future — either shots or a blood draw. And kids know it, too.
The mere mention of a needle or, in some cases, simply walking into a doctor’s office, incites panic. This typically involves screaming, kicking, crying and hyperventilating while a nurse or doctor struggles to keep the child still. But, this doesn’t have to be the case.
As schools start to reopen, children fill pediatricians’ offices for last-minute shots and physicals, leaving loads of parents again faced with the dilemma of how to manage the child’s terror. Taking time to sit down with your child and disarm the fear of needles, or to distract them during their shots with reading, a video game or even some rap music can do wonders.
Read Dr. Ty’s dos and don’ts for helping a child with a fear of needles on today.com.
