Most kids have a favorite cartoon or show that they like to watch.
When I was a kid, it was Sesame Street and Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.
Are You Prepared for Your Kids Getting Shots?
Although we often complain about kids overdoing it with screen time, there are some circumstances when a little screen time might be a good thing.
For example, if your kids are nervous about an upcoming visit to their pediatrician when they will get shots, having things explained by a well known character will almost certainly be helpful.
- Mister Rogers Neighborhood – Brave and Strong
- Sid The Science Kid – Getting a Shot: You can do it!
- Sid the Science Kid – Preparing for Vaccination
- Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood – Lily Gets a Shot
- Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood – It’s Time for Daniel’s Shot
- Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood – Why do I need to get a shot?
- Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood – It’s Time for Daniel’s Shot
- Get Well Soon – How do injections help you?
- Surgeon General and Elmo team up to talk vaccinations
- Why Are Vaccines Important for Children?
- Mister Rogers Neighborhood – Brave and Strong Episode 1709
How else can you prepare your kids?
Remember to be honest. Don’t lie and say that they aren’t getting a shot or that it won’t hurt at all, only to have their pediatrician tell them that they need a vaccination during the visit.
Books on going to the doctors can also be helpful. Many include a section or story on getting vaccines.
Going To The Doctor by T. Berry Brazelton, MD has always been a favorite of mine, but there are many others:
- Leo Gets a Checkup
- The Berenstain Bears Go to the Doctor
- Corduroy Goes to the Doctor
- Nicky Goes to the Doctor
- Daniel Visits the Doctor
- Froggy Goes to the Doctor
- My Friend the Doctor
- The Big Blue House Call
And have your kids play with a Doc McStuffins medical kit.
Vaccines are safe and necessary and you can help to make sure your kids are ready to get them at their next appointment.
More on Preparing Kids When Getting Shots
- Vaccine Resources for Kids and Teens
- CDC – Your Child’s Vaccine Visit
- How to Make Vaccine Appointments a Little Easier
- Helping Children with Medical Experiences
- Make Vaccines Fun, Not Scary: 5 Ways to Ease Children’s Vaccine Fears
- 6 Ways To Prepare Your Kids For Their Next Doctor’s Appointment
- Ouch! Prepare Your Child for Shots
- 6 Tips For Successful Shot Visits
- Managing Your Child’s Pain While Getting a Shot