General Advice

Parents' attitudes to needle stabs are very important. You must be sure the finger prick or needle stab is necessary, otherwise you can never convey this to the child. If you, as a parent, have a needle phobia of your own, it will be difficult to stick a needle into your child.

The child must know exactly what is going to happen and why. Many children (even older ones) may believe that the injection or blood test is a punishment for something done wrong. You must state clearly that the needle is necessary, and not because anyone has behaved badly. Remember that the person sticking the needle in is not "being mean". He or she is only doing what has to be done.

Be honest about the pain. A needle prick can be painful, no matter how much we would like it not to be.

Indicate the acceptable limits of protest, such as: "You can cry if you feel like it, but you must not pull your hand away."

Offer realistic choices. They lessen the child's feeling of being a victim. But do not offer to give the injection another time as you cannot do that. The child will only remember being tricked and things will be even more difficult the next time around.

Suggest diverting activities, such as choosing a plaster.

The phase of persuasion should be short. When dealing with smaller children it is best to hold them firmly, do the needle prick and then comfort. If inserting the needle takes time, the child will suffer for longer. Use a firm grip if you must hold the child, so that the injection is over quickly.

Don't smile to encourage. The child may believe that you are laughing.

Afterwards: Comfort, praise and talk to the child. Dealing with what has been difficult through drawing or play may help. Stay with the child when playing in order to be able to correct misunderstandings and help the child come to terms with the experience.