Help a child cope with pain

Some of the parents may feel worried to bring him to see doctor for injection when their children are sick or having vaccination. They may fear that whether their children will be able to cope with pain. The parents may use the following ways to reduce the anxiety towards pain.

1. To bring along children’s favourite toys and activities for medical treatment

Some of the parents will bring along children’s favourite toys, such as cars, soft toys, story books and so on, so that the toys can help to occupy their waiting time to see doctor or distract them. It is because the longer waiting time, the higher anxiety and insecurity levels for children. The sense of security will be increased with the presence of their favourite toys.

2. Imaginary Game

Most of the children have good imaginary power. They like to imagine themselves as their heroes. The parents may encourage children to capture the quality of bravery of their heroes to face difficulties, such as during medical treatment or injection and so on. The children imagine that their good friends, i.e. their heroes, will support them to go through the difficulties. They feel being supported and have confidence to see doctor. They will learn or model the bravery of their heroes. This imaginary exercise is more suitable for older children.

3. Counting Exercise

The children can practise counting exercises to reduce their anxiety of seeing a doctor. The parents ask the children to count the number of their favourite food or toys. If the children cannot think of anything, the parents will simply count one, two, three, four etc. with the children. This exercise is more suitable for smaller or younger children.

4. Breathing Exercise

The children can learn the simple breathing exercise. The parents may teach the children to breathe in and out the air for relaxation. It is just likes blowing a balloon. If the child inflates a balloon, it becomes bigger as it is filled with air. If the child deflates a balloon, all the air comes out of it. This is an effective exercise to help children to cope with their anxiety.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the practice of above ways will help to alleviate the anxiety of children. Coping with difficulty is one of the most important life skills for parents and children. Both parents and children will learn how to cope with the stressful situation as time goes by. By practising these ways, you will become more confident and your children will be secured.