Playworks sells toys that invite play and enhance development in children from birth through age five

Since receiving injections is a frightening experience for children, your presence and support can be very beneficial to your child.

Try these distraction ideas when your child is getting injections or at any other time the child is afraid:

• > Counting- have your child count with you
• > Breathing- ask child to take deep breaths and let the air out fast or breath slowly in through nose and out through mouth
• > Count to three and ask your child to yell something out , such as his/her favorite ice cream flavor
• > Guided imagery- Have your child think of a favorite place/activity and describe it
• > Tell stories- talk to your child about a favorite book
• > Ask child to tell things about him/herself, such as a favorite book, friends, or pets
• > Sing songs with your child- ABC's and nursery rhymes
• > Look at a book- hold the book in front of your child while he or she is receiving injections or having blood drawn
• > Ask child to do something silly- make the noise of a fire engine or an animal, make their funniest face

Any toys you have with you can be used to distract your child as well. Let your child hold a rattle, stuffed animal, or whatever you might have in their hand that is not receiving an injection.