If you want to see a grown man cry, ask him to take his baby for his first shots.
Yes, ask him to carry a gurgling baby into a pediatrician's colorful office and to hold that baby down while the nurse gets the job done.
Even the bravest will cringe when those twinkling eyes widen in shock; acknowledging the prick of the needle, when that soft little face turns red and when those tiny red lips curl in pure sadness before opening as wide as it possibly can to let out the loudest, most painful cry.
I sometimes wonder how the nurse does it. All eyes are on her as she composes herself in the midst of this gruesome yet honorable act.
But you know what? I think this stage- when they cannot move on their own- is definitely the easiest. By the time they are 2 years old, they start forming good and bad memories and the ruckus starts the moment you reach the hospital itself!
And thank God for candy and lollipops and all the other unhealthy things that magically seem to blur some of those bad memories.
Yes, ask him to carry a gurgling baby into a pediatrician's colorful office and to hold that baby down while the nurse gets the job done.
Even the bravest will cringe when those twinkling eyes widen in shock; acknowledging the prick of the needle, when that soft little face turns red and when those tiny red lips curl in pure sadness before opening as wide as it possibly can to let out the loudest, most painful cry.
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| Source: Clipart.co |
But you know what? I think this stage- when they cannot move on their own- is definitely the easiest. By the time they are 2 years old, they start forming good and bad memories and the ruckus starts the moment you reach the hospital itself!
And thank God for candy and lollipops and all the other unhealthy things that magically seem to blur some of those bad memories.
With my kids, who are now 30 and 27, I knew the importance of immunizations. I always hated to have them get the shot or the blood needed for tests, especially when they were babies and didn't know what was about to happen, but when they were older I always explained they were going to get a shot or blood drawn, it was going to hurt but it was for the good of their body so they wouldn't get sick down the road. I told them it was okay to say ouch, but not to scream and cry (obviously when they were old enough to understand). We always did something fun after a shot or blood draw; go to a fast food restaurant, get their favorite meals, go to the toy store, get a small toy, etc. Its a "necessary evil" if we want them to be healthy :)
ReplyDeletebetty
http://viewsfrombenches.blogspot.com/
I love the phrase 'necessary evils'! :)
DeleteThanks for stopping by.
Conflict: Wifey is against immunizations shots and I and for them. I win. But there is still conflict. We need these shots to help prevent diseases that at pat times wiped out countless peoples and villages and cultures.
ReplyDeleteI know I was wary of this topic as there is a lot of debate around it. But 'I' was getting a little tricky for me. :)
DeleteI read somewhere that vaccinated children help protect un-vaccinated ones by forming an umbrella of sorts...
Many years ago, when my daughter and I moved to Germany, I took her to the doctor's for all her injections. But the laugh was on me... It took several visits for my daughter to have her innoculations and I was always comforting and told her it wouldn't hurt - naturally they did. On the last visit, my daughter asked the doctor if I needed any innoculations because she can't remember me ever having any. Well, then I got all the question: when did you last have this? when did you last have that? Low and behold I was promptly bought up to date - all in one go!! Three injections in each arm. My daughter and the nurses laughed a lot as I oooed and aaahhed (a screech may have squeezed through my gritted teeth). My arms were numb for hours. My daughter (only 10 at the time) found it very funny :):) We still talk and laugh about that day. She is 24 now. Love her to bits. Thanks for the post, Seena.
ReplyDeleteThat is so funny. Such a clever girl I should say. :) Thankyou so much for sharing that!
DeleteMy 4 and 7 year old girls hate having their blood taken when they have fever. I feel nervous for them waiting for our turn!
ReplyDeleteOpen Minded Mormon A-Z
Taking blood is longer and worse than getting a shot.
DeleteThis reminded me of the first time we took our first baby for her shots. Husband actually fainted and we spent more time looking after him than worrying about baby! Needless to say he never came again!
ReplyDeleteSounds like my dad! :D
Deletetechnically I am the guy who gives the shots for all kids posted for surgeries... it used to bug me earlier seeing them cry and later look at me with suspicion. I even used to bribe them with chocolates AFTER the case. Now, its kind of routine... gotten used to it.
ReplyDeleteMy Entry for the #AtoZChallenge -
Tv Shows: I - Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia
Wow! Bowing to you right now! And for all of them let me say - Good job! :)
DeleteReminded me of my days. :)
ReplyDeleteGood one on I.
Thank you Indrani. Good to have to stop by and comment.
DeleteThe thought of shots is bad at any age. :)
ReplyDeleteMason
Alex's Ninja Minion
Yes, my sister is 40 and she can still scream at the needle. :)
DeleteHahaha Seena, that was funny! I remember those shot days, really traumatic! And yes thank God for all the treats and bribes, we get away with it!
ReplyDeleteCheers :)
@KalaRavi16 from
Relax-N-Rave
Thanks Kala!
DeleteOh the prelude to the doctor's visit is what I can't bear. It only gets worse for vaccinations :)
ReplyDeleteSudha from
Everyday Muse
I'm in the in between phase now, no more shots for a 2 years. :)
DeleteIt was bad at the baby stage, but improved a lot when the child was older. It helped also that there was no 'holding down', the nurses sat the child on my lap facing inward so he couldn't see a thing, and they moved in and out with the shot even before he/I realised anything. And always gave him something as a reward for good behaviour. But still, I am glad those days are over, whew! Good choice of topic for I, and I am a mum wholly for Immunisations all the way!
ReplyDeleteNilanjana
Madly-in-Verse
That's a good idea. Having them face you instead. :)
DeleteAh! I remember seeing my nephew go through this and by the end of it we all were in tears! Loved your post :)
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Srivi - AtoZChallenge
I for Inspiration | Twitter
Thanks Srivi!
Delete😊👍
ReplyDeletePositive Vibes ✌
I am beauty redefined
Please drop by 😊
http://smartshivani.blogspot.in/2016/04/i-for-i-am-beauty-i-am-beauty-redefined.html?m=1
Thanks Shivani, will come by. :)
DeleteStopping by from the A to Z Challenge. Girl Who Reads
ReplyDeleteThanks Donna, will come by:)
DeleteI remember seeing a 13-year-old kicking and screaming to avoid a shot. My 4-year-old son just watches the needle go in like it's nothing. I can imagine a nurse has seen every reaction imaginable, and I honestly don't know how they do it sometimes.
ReplyDeleteStormy’s Sidekicks!
@LGKeltner from
Writing Off the Edge
Parallels
Wow, you little guy is brave! Thanks for visiting.
DeleteThis post brought out the traumatic memories of immunization. I have one due to be done next month and I am frightened of the fight I will have to put up making son immobile and turning the ears deaf on his howls.
ReplyDelete