Resilience
Resilience is the idea that despite life’s difficulties, one can bounce back and recover. Research shows us that we can build on this capacity for resilience.
Here are some tips you might use as a parent or caregiver:
- Make connections – be a friend to get a friend. Learning how to be a friend can be empowering!
- Maintain a daily routine – this is especially true for younger kids, as structure helps them know what they can depend on.
- Take a break – while routine is important, so too is our self care, and focusing on fun ‘down times’ can help turn our minds to creative and positive possibilities.
How to Prepare your Children for Vaccination
Getting a vaccine can be a stressful event for many children (and parents). Below are some tips to make vaccine visits easier for both you and your child.
- Your child will look to you for how to feel and act. If you are calm, it will help to ease their anxiety.
- Provide an age appropriate explanation for the immunization.
- Be honest about the needle but try to use words that lessen anxiety such as pinch or poke instead of hurt or pain.
- Have your child wear a short-sleeved shirt.
- For young children, have them sit in your lap and hold them close.
- Provide a distraction such as toys, games, singing, or talking about something other than the vaccination.
- After the injection, praise your child for being brave and making such a healthy choice.
The following websites provide more detail on how to prepare your child:
A Better Immunization Experience for your Child
