{"id":322854,"date":"2021-08-12T14:26:31","date_gmt":"2021-08-12T11:26:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/en.buradabiliyorum.com\/how-to-prepare-your-child-for-a-covid-test\/"},"modified":"2021-08-12T14:26:31","modified_gmt":"2021-08-12T11:26:31","slug":"how-to-prepare-your-child-for-a-covid-test","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/how-to-prepare-your-child-for-a-covid-test\/","title":{"rendered":"#How to prepare your child for a COVID test"},"content":{"rendered":"

“#How to prepare your child for a COVID test<\/strong>”<\/p>\n

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We’ve been urged to get COVID tested even if we have mild symptoms. Or perhaps we don’t have symptoms but are a close or casual contact of a known case. This includes children.\n <\/p>\n

So what can you do to make COVID testing as simple and stress-free as possible for your child?<\/p>\n

With a bit of preparation, role play and modeling the type of behavior you’d like to see, the process can be plain sailing.<\/p>\n

Start the conversation now<\/b><\/p>\n

Ideally, you want to start the conversation about COVID testing before your child actually needs a swab. Reflect together on the pandemic so far<\/a> and envision what might happ<\/a>en in the future.<\/p>\n

Let your child know COVID tests ensure sick people are cared for and stop them spreading the virus to others. <\/p>\n

Point out COVID testing sites when you drive past.<\/p>\n

Preparation is the key<\/b><\/p>\n

Knowledge of what is going to happen is important for children to feel in control and empowered in situations like COVID testing. <\/p>\n

Encourage them to watch videos showing kids having a COVID test, like this one.<\/p>\n

Encourage questions and be open to answering them honestly. Acknowledge it feels uncomfortable to have something pushed up your nose. But the discomfort will be only temporary.<\/p>\n

This Canadian video shows the swab going right up a child’s nose<\/a>. The video says this feels a bit like what happens when you get water up your nose, or the tingly feeling you get in your nose after a fizzy drink. <\/p>\n

Children report feeling deceived<\/a> if they are told a procedure won’t hurt when it does. This can lead them to distrust future medical procedures.<\/p>\n

Depending on the age of the child, you could also help prepare with some role play, known as therapeutic play. This type of preparation helps children feel more comfortable<\/a> and less anxious<\/a> before medical procedures.
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For COVID testing, this can include asking your child to try wearing a mask. Then your child can use a couple of cotton buds taped together to make a long swab, to “test” their teddy or doll.<\/p>\n

Before you go<\/b><\/p>\n

To help your child feel in control<\/a> of what is happening to them, think about how they can participate in the process. Give them choices where possible. <\/p>\n

Which testing center would they like to go to? What toy would they like to take with them to hold during the test? There may be a long wait for the test. What fun things could they take with them or do to help pass the time<\/a>? What snack would they like to take?<\/p>\n

During the test<\/b><\/p>\n

Children are good at picking up on cues from their parents, so stay calm and confident when taking your child for testing. If you are also being tested, they may like to see you go first.<\/p>\n

Ask the tester to talk through what they are doing. Avoid distractions and bribes. Offering a bribe can give the child the impression there is something to be worried about, and distractions can leave the child suspicious of why they were distracted. <\/p>\n

As with vaccinations, some children may like to watch so they know what is happening, rather than shutting their eyes. Give your child the option.<\/p>\n

Be fully present with your child during the procedure and put your phone away. <\/p>\n

Humor can help keep things light hearted and it reduces stress levels<\/a>. What do COVID-19 jokes have in common? They’re catchy!<\/p>\n


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