DEALING WITH IMMUNISATIONS
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As a Mum I usually try to avoid talking about this topic openly, on any level, because I don’t want to start a debate. So let me just preface this whole post by saying: I will hide any comments deemed to be trying to start an argument / debate regarding whether or not immunisations are right / wrong. Even as a joke, because not everyone will take it that way. Now is not the time for that, and not on my watch. Plenty of other places on the internet to discuss it.
I recently took my daughter to the doctor for a check up, and we ended up getting her 4 year immunisation shots. They were overdue because she’s been so sick it’s been difficult to find the right time to do it.
I didn’t tell her what was happening until the last minute, because let’s be honest – kids don’t have the best memories. And in my personal opinion, there is no point in talking about it earlier because it may unnecessarily worry them.
Prior to the “almost time for an injection” moment, my 4 year old had seen images around the place of people getting injections and had been heard to say “Oh look I want an injection” – not knowing what she was really talking about.
When I told her “you’re going to get an injection now”, she freaked out.
She asked me if it was going to hurt. I was honest – “Yes. But only for a moment”.
Holding her, listening to her scream, was one of the worst things I’ve heard in my life, and I almost cried. I’m a pretty hard bitch when it comes to immunisation shots, and have always gotten through them fine. This time was different though – she was older, understood more. She was scared and I knew it.
Then it was over. She cried. I cried on the inside. We had ice cream.
I wanted to write this to share a couple of things I’ve learned from reading, and from experience (these are my opinions) when it comes to dealing with immunisations:
- I find not telling the child in advance works – save it until the moment it’s happening
- Be honest with your child – yes, it will hurt
- Tell them once it’s over, that’s it! No more injections.
- Tell them that you had the same injections (if you did)
- Tell them it’s ok to cry
The last one is really important to me – kids should be allowed to cry when in pain. Afterwards, my daughter said “Did you cry when you had your injections”, and I said yes. She asked her Father the same question – yes he did too. Crying is ok, and should never be discouraged, especially when in pain.
Also – what works for me, might not work for you and your child. Only you know your child best. My daughter thrives on knowing what’s happening, but for this nothing was going to work, and I didn’t want her to panic for hours on end before-hand.
A massive thank you to all nurses who do this as a part of their job too – you are amazing ❤️
Did you find anything helped to get through the immunisation moment?
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