Guide for parents

Press, 7 September 1989, Page 9

Guide for parents

The important thing for parents to remember is that children look to adults and their environment for guidance about what to be afraid of, says Patricia McGrath. If an adult is obviously frightened by blood, or needles, that will be passed on to the child. • Don’t impose what you feel about pain on the child. Some children may watch the procedure mesmerised, even when adults want to look away.

•Be very honest about what happens and why. Don’t tell a child it’s not going to hurt if it is.

• Don’t increase anxiety. With an injection, focus on the sensation that is going to come, such as warmth or cooling, not the pain. Let the child practise on a stuffed animal.

• Many children are distracted by trying to describe the quality of the sensation: does it feel warm, or cool? • Focus on something physical to block out the pain. Explain that just as we can block out background noises, such as the air conditioning, when we are concentrating on something else, it is the same with pain. Try “Take a deep breath and squeeze my hand” with a younger child. Older children may need to be involved in a conversation.

Many . centres actively encourage children to be interested in their surroundings, and to talk.

• Ask the staff if the child can have any control or choice, such as whether to have the treatment sitting or standing. Many children want to participate with the nurse, for example by flushing out syringes, or. helping to clean the area.