L. (2) had an appointment last night at our pediatrician’s flu clinic. Taking a toddler to get shots is not exactly my favorite thing to do. There’s the fear, and the crying, and the desperate clinging that’s just me. There’s also all the stuff my little guy has to go through.
But last night, I had a secret plan. Before we headed out the door, I poured a handful of mini M&M’s into a plastic container and stuck it in my pocket. We drove to the pediatrician’s office and all L. knew was that we were going to see the “doctor.”
But once we got into the exam room, I leveled with him.
“L., the nurse needs to poke you in the leg. And it’s going to give you an Ow-ie. But I brought some M&M’s and as soon as the Ow-ie is done, you get M&M’s, okay? Look! Here are the M&M’s.”
I shook the container in front of him and L. immediately fixated on all the pretty little chocolate-covered candies.
The nurse prepared her needle, swabbed his leg, and gave him the shot.
L. looked at me and whimpered, “Ow-ie.” And then, “M-M?”
Amazingly, not a tear was shed. Just as I’d hoped, his focus was on the end result, not the temporary pain. I readjusted his clothes and gave him his reward, promising a few more once we went home.
The nurse was impressed. Apparently, he was the only toddler who hadn’t yelled, cried, or fallen apart.
As we walked out through the waiting room and out the door, L. skipped along beside me, singing, “Ow-ie. M-M. Ow-ie. M-M.”
Much, much better than the last time he had to get a shot. I think I’ve got my new TVPP (Toddler Vaccination Preparation Plan).
A little boy who leaves a flu shot clinic skipping and singing? That definitely works for me.
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Love the new design! Such a good idea with the M&Ms! My pediatrician has a flu mist that they inhale once they are 2. So hopefully we got our last flu “shot” this year. However, Sammy is a brute and doesn’t cry for shots. Apparently I too did this as a kid.
I think that would work with my younger two – my oldest, though, DREADS needles. I don’t know how we’re going to convince her to go in!
We had our Flu shots last week. We told the kids as we were leaving for the Dr’s. Grant took it very well – Marah CRIED!!! Once we got there I was informed my appointment was for two days ago! But they were so kind to fit us in that night. Grant went first and was so brave (since he had to get two shots that night). The first one went in and he goes – hmmm that hurt!!! But was brave again for the second one. Marah was pulled to the table but in the end sat there and took her shot with no tears. As promised we stopped for ice cream on the way home.
M&Ms have been a balm for some many of Princess’s woes. They are a wonderful thing and with the minis they are small enough you can give them a bunch with very little guilt. Great thinking!
That’s awesome! That would work for my four-year-old son who is pretty brave anyway, but not for my seven-year-old. My oldest completely fell apart when we went for flu shots, causing my youngest to freak out too.
Another option: plan something fun immediately following the flu shot. We intentionally scheduled our toddler’s on the day our city was having the city departments open house. Flu shot done: let’s go see fire trucks!
You’re awesome!
It’s amazing what chocolate can do. He might be asking you to go to the doctor again. Kyle enjoyed playing with the train table at his doctor so much that for months he kept asking to go back there — not caring at all what happened while he was IN there.
My son had to get 5 shots this year. And he knew it. It was a horrible experience for us all. At least he doesn’t need any more for 7 years if he gets the flu mist. Anyone know if the flu mist is any easier?
This has nothing to do with the current post. I went to add a review for a book that I just read and cannot find Mr. Linky.
Will he be restored?
Thanks.
Eva (and others who may be wondering) — Sadly, Mr. Linky is out all over the blogosphere today. Any post, on any blog, with a Mr. Linky, is missing it at the moment. They’re working on it though, and hopefully all will be restored soon, including the Mr. Linky on the book reviews post.
When my oldest was 6 we had to go in for her boosters. Our appointment was at 11.
At 8 that morning I told her we’d be going to the doctor today. She asked, “Will it hurt?”
What was I to do? I couldn’t lie! So I said, “Well, it won’t hurt your sister.”
She started crying and wouldn’t stop. So I bundled them both in the van and was at the doctors when they opened at 9. I begged the nurse to give Rebecca the needles then, and she did! As soon as they were over Becca stopped crying.
And we returned at 11 to see the doctor. Moral of the story: never tell your child where you’re going until you’re there!
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