Blood draws can be tough for kids (and parents too!). The good news is, with the right preparation and mindset, you can help your child feel calmer, braver, and even proud of themselves afterward. Here are some gentle strategies before, during, and after the appointment.
Before the Appointment
- Choose the right time. Schedule the visit when your child is well-rested and not hungry. If fasting is required, try to book early in the morning.
- Boost the mood. On the way, play your child’s favorite music or let them bring a comfort item.
- Hydrate. Encourage them to drink plenty of fluids beforehand to make blood flow easier.
- Set honest expectations. Let them know ahead of time what will happen in a calm, matter-of-fact tone. Honesty builds trust.
- Practice at home. Try a “blood draw game” with a stuffed animal or practice holding still for one minute. Make it fun and playful.
- Make it exciting. Count down the days with enthusiasm. Use positive phrases like, “I’m really curious to see how they do those neat things with your blood!”
- Validate fears. If your child is nervous, say, “It’s okay to feel scared. Doing something even when you’re scared is called courage.” Share examples of times they’ve been brave before.
Helpful videos:
During the Appointment
- Stay calm yourself. Kids mirror their parents’ body language—your calm energy helps them feel safe.
- Offer choices. Some kids prefer sitting on a parent’s lap, others like holding hands. Ask if they want a countdown to the poke, or if they’d rather look away.
- Coach with comfort. Use language like, “You’ll feel a quick pinch, but it will be over fast.” Avoid words like “pain” or “fear.”
- Distract and engage. Our phlebotomist, Bri, has a basket of fun tools to help, including:
- Buzzy® bee: a vibrating device that reduces pain signals.
- Pinwheel breathing: blowing fast, then slow, to focus on breath.
- Pop-It toy: a race to finish before the blood draw ends.
- Mr. Smiley light-up breathing guide for paced relaxation.
- Calming essential oils like lavender or Valor.
- Buzzy® bee: a vibrating device that reduces pain signals.
After the Appointment
- Celebrate courage. Praise your child for getting through it—whether they were calm, cried, or needed extra support. “You did it! I knew you could.”
- Reward and reinforce. Let them pick from Bri’s prize bucket, give them a handmade gift card to a dollar store, or plan a fun outing afterward.
- Reflect later. A day or two afterward, remind them: “I was thinking about your blood draw—you did something hard, even though it was scary. That’s real courage.” This builds confidence for the next time.
✨ The goal isn’t perfection—it’s helping your child feel safe, supported, and proud of themselves for doing something hard. With your encouragement, blood draws can become less stressful and more empowering experiences.