Project L.O.V.E. --- Columbus, Ohio

Getting shots can sometimes be a very distressing and anxiety-filled experience for children, parents and health care providers. Depending on the age of your child, there are things that you can do to help your child cope with the unfamiliar experience of getting shots.

A recent study found that the parent's attitude and distraction techniques used can influence the level of distress a child will feel during the health care appointment.

Some techniques to help your child cope with shots include:

Use a calm, matter-of-fact approach
Do not be overly reassuring or involved (this increases distress)
Sing a song
Read a story
Blow bubbles or a pinwheel

This was recently researched in the study "Pain Reduction During Pediatric Immunizations: Evidence-Based Review and Recommendations" that appears in the journal, Pediatrics.

To read more about this study covered on FOX News.com in an article called "Easing Your Child's Immunization Anxiety", click here.

For a direct link to the study in Pediatrics, click here.

Project L.O.V.E.

For Parents

Helping Kids Cope with Shots