Preparing Your Child for Allergy Testing and/or Shots

Offer your child emotional support by being present during testing. Be sure any fear or anxiety you might have is not transmitted to your child. Encourage your child to do his or her best, saying, "Now is the time when you must lie still."

Relaxation

Learning relaxation methods can reduce anxiety and ease the process of allergy testing/injections. Some techniques include:

Have the child tense and then relax muscles ("Make your arm tight and stiff; then let it hang loose like spaghetti")

Practice slow breathing ("Take deep, slow breaths," or "Pretend to blow out birthday candles")

Listen to music — bring favorite stories or an MP3 player. For an older child, listening to music through headphones can be relaxing

Stroking your child's hair or patting during testing can be reassuring

Praise your child for good behavior and attempts at coping strategies

Distraction/Diversion

Distraction can narrow attention and help your child focus on one thing. Possibilities include:

Practice visualization and guided imagery to help your child imagine they are at their favorite place.

Watching favorite video or television

Bringing a favorite stuffed animal

Counting or reciting the alphabet

Blowing a pinwheel (we stock these) or a party blower

Looking at a pop-up or interesting picture book

Saying, "You can say 'ouch' real loud and squeeze my hand tightly"

Singing a favorite song or telling a favorite story

Talking about pleasant past or future events.