Stressful procedures provide great opportunities to model different soothing strategies for parents and your patients. During your next vaccine or procedure try:

1) Labeling emotions - "I know this hurts. I'm right here, and this will make you stronger and healthier."

2) Sensitive responses - "Mom, try having your child sit on your lap and wrap your arms around them like a big hug."

3) Visualization - "While I give you a vaccine, I want you to think about your favorite weather. What does it feel like? What does it look like? Do you see the sun? Do you feel the wind? Do you hear the rain? Can you taste the snowflakes?"

4) Pretend -  Ask a child if they know any superheroes. Then, ask them to imagine that they are that superhero and show you how they would act if they got a flu shot. 

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