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Before a needle like the COVID-19 vaccine, or procedure that makes your child or youth feel a bit scared, try making a Coping Plan! This is a plan that is unique and special just like your child.
How to make a coping plan
You can design your own coping plan, or print out CHEO's coping plan template. Here are some ideas on what to include:
Distraction techniques
Distraction techniques are things your child can focus on instead of the needle or procedure that scares them. Learn more about distraction techniques here. Some examples include:
- listening to music
- watching a funny video
- playing a game like I Spy
Comfort plan
Make a list of things that comfort your child, or make them happy. Some examples include:
- bringing a favourite stuffie to hug and hold
- squeezing a parent or caregiver's hand
- wearing loose-fitting comfy clothes
Celebration plan
Make a plan for awesome and fun things to do after! Some examples include:
- Getting a special treat
- Staying up later than usual
- Doing a fun activity
Relaxation plan
Make a list of things that help your child keep calm and relax. Some examples include:
- Taking deep breaths and counting
- Squeezing the knees together - this is a good tip if you feel faint when getting a needle!
- Keeping eyes closed and thinking happy thoughts
Questions
Understanding what to expect can help ease the anxiety of a an unknown procedure, like getting the COVID vaccine. Some examples of questions your child might have include:
- What arm will I get the needle in?
- How long will it take?
- What will it feel like?
Distraction techniques
Things I can focus on instead (Ex. listening to music, watching a funny video, playing a game with my parent)
Comfort plan
Things I can do that make me comfy and happy! (Ex. my stuffie, holding my mom's hand, wearing comfy clothes)
Celebration plan
These are my favourite ways to celebrate a job well done! (Ex. ice cream, extra screen time, making cookies)
Relaxation plan
These are things that help me feel calm and relaxed. (Ex. taking deep breaths, closing my eyes, squeezing knees together)
Questions
These are questions I have that will make me feel better. (Ex. 'What arm will the needle go in?', 'How long will it take?', 'Who will come with me?')
