How to Prepare a Child for Having Blood Taken

When the pediatrician orders a blood test on your child, you may be tempted to offer to take the test for her; however, that won't give them the information they need. The next best thing you can do is be sure your child is prepared and as reassured as possible before the test is done. According to the Boston Children's Hospital, honesty with your child will help build her trust in you and the health care professionals who will be involved.

Instructions

    • 1

      Adopt a nonnegotiable attitude. The test is needed, there is no room for negotiating and having a reassuring "This is going to be done attitude" when you discuss it with your child lets her know it's not even worth trying to get out of doing it. Assure her that the test is needed and will be over with quickly.

    • 2

      Explain honestly how it will feel. She may ask if it is going to hurt, or if she will feel it. Telling her she won't feel a thing, just to get her to comply, sets you up for problems on future tests if this one causes any discomfort. Use examples she can relate to like a mosquito bite or a quick pinching and then it will be over. Let her know that some children say they didn't feel anything at all.

    • 3

      Practice several times together before the test. Have her practice blowing air out between her lips while you count to 10 for her. Demonstrate how she must sit still during parts of the test but will be able to wiggle if she wants for other parts. Use the blowing-out, count-to-10 technique for when she will be expected to sit still.

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