Parenting Australia

I must admit that I’m not looking forward to tomorrow. My just-turned-four year old has an appointment with our GP for her immunisations. I’m relieved in a way, because it will be the last of the standard childhood injections. I’m also a little nervous though, because she’s such a big girl now and she understands exactly what is going on. Babies and young toddlers can be held down for their needles. Holding down a four year old isn’t so easy and other strategies are required. Without making too much of a fuss about it all, I hope I have prepared my girl with a few simple steps.

1. Honesty. I always aim to be truthful with my kids. My daughter knows that the needle will hurt tomorrow. Instead of trying to convince her that there’s nothing to worry about, or that it won’t hurt a bit, I’ve told her the truth. It will sting for a moment, and she’ll need to be brave and sit still, and then it will be over.

2. Pre-preparation. Any time another member of the family has had an injection we have used it as an opportunity to talk about needles, why we have them and what it feels like. Her little brother (20mths) has had several immunisations. She understands that he had these needles to “stop him catching a bad sickness” (in her own words). When my husband and I had flu and whooping cough immunisations ourselves the kids were with us. It was a good chance to set an example with our actions and our words!

3. Incentive. I don’t believe in bribing kids. I don’t even think rewards are always necessary. But there are times when having something to look forward to helps, and for me this is one of those times. The incentive doesn’t have to be huge. My daughter is just looking forward to a pretty bandaid and jelly beans!

4. Reassurance. She won’t be alone tomorrow. My daughter will have three friends by her side. Her Mummy, her GP and her doll. I’m so pleased that we’ll be seeing the wonderful GP who continually cares for my children. Everything is easier with a friend.

I know that not all parents choose to immunise their children, but I feel it is the right choice for my family. Even though it’s hard taking my kids to the GP, knowing that the needle will hurt, I remind myself that it is for their ultimate good. Through immunisation schemes we have eradicated some horrible illnesses from Australia today.

How do you prepare your children for immunisations, and how do you prepare yourself? Do you take it all in your parenting stride, or does the whole experience make your stomach churn? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.

5 Comments

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1. Juliet makes this comment

   Tuesday, 01 June 2010

   For our son's 4 year old injections we prepared him by talking about what would happen. Explained the best way to get the special medicine in was with a tiny needle and then (on recomendation of a friend) we also went and bought some EMLA cream which the doctor put on his arm 20 minutes prior- we went and had baby cino, came back had the shots, and he (my son) watched the whole thing with facinated interest- no pain. We havent used it for our 1 year old, but we will absolutely use it again when he turns four.

2. Rhonda makes this comment

   Tuesday, 01 June 2010

   my daughter did not react well to needles.... lost her whole feeling in her legs for days. Two legs - needles was only in one. She somehow lost all from her nervous system. couldn't move from waist down. Screemed for 4 hours just after the needle. Ask yourself if it is necessary??

3. Heather Bestel makes this comment

   Sunday, 06 June 2010

   Catherine, I was probably more nervous than my daughter when she had her last injections. Like yours, my daughter was 'a big girl' and knew what was going to happen, and like you, we had been honest with her.
   We showed her how to feel relaxed and calm and that helped her through. Immediately afterwards the nurse gave her some chocolate buttons for 'being very brave' - so even if I didn't want to bribe her - they did lol.

4. SquiggleMum / Catherine Oehlman makes this comment

   Monday, 07 June 2010

   Thanks everyone for you comments. Rhonda, sorry to hear your daughter had such an ordeal. I haven't heard of a case like that before. Juliet and Heather, I agree - honesty is the best policy!

5. Chrissy makes this comment

   Friday, 20 August 2010

   Catherine, seriously if you haven't heard of a case like Rhonda's daughters before have you actually investigated the requirement of vaccinations. There is not many people left that haven't heard of vaccine injury. My son didn't utter a word for 8 weeks after his 12month shots. It is n ot uncommon or normal.

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