Saed News: Parents can influence their children's fear of injections through their behavior, either increasing or alleviating it.
According to the Family Magazine Service of Saed News, it is often observed that parents, in an attempt to prevent their child from misbehaving or to discipline them, use phrases like, "If you don’t behave or listen to me, I’ll take you to the doctor to get a shot." Parents using such statements might not realize how they are unconsciously instilling a fear of injections in their children. Fear of injections is a common phobia seen in most children and even in some adults. Children who are excessively afraid of shots may react with crying, screaming, or even physical resistance during an injection.
This fear can occur across all age groups and is not limited to a specific age. While injections are not a routine procedure for children, they are essential at certain stages for vaccination to protect them from potential diseases. In some cases, injections are necessary to accelerate recovery from illness. However, this fear can have negative effects on a child's mental and physical well-being.Understanding the factors that contribute to this fear and identifying ways for parents to overcome or reduce their child’s anxiety about injections are key points addressed in this article.
To address any issue effectively, understanding its root causes is essential. Fear of injections is a common concern during childhood, and if left unaddressed, it can persist into adulthood. Several factors may contribute to this fear. Below are some reasons why children may develop a fear of injections:
Parents often unintentionally instill fear in their children by using injections as a threat to discipline them. Statements like, “If you misbehave, I’ll take you to the doctor for a shot,” create a lasting association between injections and fear in a child’s mind.
A painful injection experience or witnessing someone else’s distress during an injection can create lasting fear. For example, a poorly administered injection causing significant pain or a traumatic dental procedure involving needles can leave children associating injections with pain and fear.
Studies show that many children with a fear of injections have family members who also experienced similar fears in the past.
When fear of injections becomes so severe that it interferes with necessary medical care, it may lead to a condition known as trypanophobia, a specific fear of needles and injections. To help children overcome or reduce this fear, parents can use the following strategies:
Explain how injections work and how they help the body recover. Avoid lying by saying it won’t hurt. Instead, acknowledge that the pain is brief and manageable. If a child asks whether they’ll get a shot during a doctor’s visit, be honest and say, “It’s possible, but I’m not sure.”
Role-play the injection process with a toy syringe, pretending to be a doctor and demonstrating the steps. This can help familiarize the child with the process in a lighthearted way.
Teach older children to take deep breaths before and during the injection to distract and relax them. This technique shifts their focus from the needle to their breathing.
Motivate children by promising small, achievable rewards after the injection. However, avoid extravagant promises that may set unrealistic expectations.
Encourage bravery by highlighting that injections signify strength and help the body grow and stay healthy. Praising them for facing their fears can boost their confidence.
Bring their favorite toy or engage them with a device like a smartphone while waiting or during the procedure. Distractions can reduce their focus on the injection.
Consult a doctor about using numbing creams to minimize pain. Although some experts warn against overuse, applying such creams an hour before the injection can help reduce discomfort and fear.
Children pick up on parental anxiety. Stay calm, speak gently, and maintain a positive demeanor. If your child becomes nervous, avoid hovering and let medical staff handle the procedure while providing silent support from a distance.
After the procedure, hold your child, reassure them, and show affection to help them feel safe and comforted.
Fear of injections is common among children, but parents play a critical role in easing their anxiety. By teaching children coping skills and addressing their fears patiently and effectively, parents can help them overcome this challenge and build resilience.
