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Distraction during procedures

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 Table of contents

What is distraction?

Distraction ideas for parents and caregivers

Quick tips

What is distraction 

Distraction is a helpful tool parents, caregivers and medical professionals can use during procedures that can be upsetting for kids, like the COVID-19 vaccine or other immunizations. Distraction can help the child have a more positive experience, be less scared in the future, and result in a more pleasant for everyone involved. 

Distraction ideas for parents and caregivers

Before your child has a procedure that could be upsetting for them, think of things that can help distract them. You might want to build them into a Coping Plan. Here are some ideas to get you started: 

Babies and toddlers 

  • Blow bubbles (if the clinic says it is ok to do so).
  • Bring a light up or musical toy and play it at the exact moment of the procedure.
  • Bring a pinwheel toy and blow on it so it moves.
  • If your baby is breastfeeding, breastfeed them before during and after the immunization — not only does this distract them but it can reduce pain during the procedure. 
  • Use a pop up picture book or finger puppet toy. 

Younger children

  • Say a funny word on the count of three (point of procedure) 1, 2, 3, hippopotamus!
  • Build a pizza/sundae — what toppings should we put on our pizza/sundae?
  • Think of a word for each letter of the alphabet.
  • Play 'I spy' using items around the room.
  • Watch a funny animal video on a tablet or phone.
  • List some “would you rather” (ex: pizza vs lasagna, cat vs dog etc.)

 

 

 

 

 

Older kids 

  • Ask them to list the ingredients of their favourite food. 
  • Ask them to tell you a funny joke.
  • Think of a word for each letter in the alphabet.  Try think of the biggest/longest/weirdest word that starts with each letter of the alphabet.  
  • Play a game on a tablet or phone.
  • Discuss a fun activity you're going to do after the procedure. 
  • Use your imagination…go on a vacation —  where would you go and what you would do?

Quick tips

Infographic: use your imagination, go on vacation, build a pizza.sundae, counting, list some would you rathers, think of a word for each letter or alphabet

 

 

 

 

#BestLife for every child and youth

2021-11-26 | FORM p6249

This reference is for educational purposes only. If you have any questions, ask your health-care provider.

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