Before the coronavirus pandemic, most of us didn’t even know nasal swabs were a thing, but neither was the lockdown. When COVID-19 hit, it affected both adults and children. Our daily routines changed, and people were required to have lateral flow Covid-19 tests in Bristol and other parts of the world. As anxiety increases with the rise of the coronavirus, your child may be nervous about having a COVID-19 test.
The COVID test involves a deep nasal swab that goes toward the back of our throats. Most of us can attest that the test can be agonizingly uncomfortable. However, if done correctly, the swab test shouldn’t hurt. Additionally, providers have developed a gentler touch after years of experience, product growth, and research. So then, how do you ensure your child is comfortable and stress-free during a COVID-19 test? Here are tips on how you can prepare your kid before the test.
1. Be calm
Your child can sense it when you are stressed. To ease their fear and anxiety, you must be calm and reassuring as a parent. Look for accurate information from reliable health sites, such as your local health department, about COVID-19 tests. Having accurate information will help calm you before talking to your kid.
2. Prep Your Kid on What to Expect
Preparing your child by telling them about a medical procedure and what to expect reduces their anxiety and gives them a sense of control. You could start by showing them kid-friendly COVID-19 videos. Let them ask questions and answer them honestly.
You can tell them about a swab test and why they need it. Next, explain how it will work and where the test will take place. Lastly, tell them who will do the test and reassure them since kids easily feel uneasy when they see health professionals with masks and face shields.
Show them pictures of nurses and doctors dressed in COVID-19 protective kits and explain why they need to dress that way. Do some role-playing with your child. Allow them to try on a mask and do a “swab test” on their dolls or action figures. Finally, ask them what they think and feel about all that. Assure them that it’s okay to be anxious and frustrated.
3. Ensure They Are Comfortable
Your child needs to feel secure and comfortable during the test. Reassure them that you will be on their side. Also, let kids hold their comfort blanket or stuffed animal. Others may do something relaxing, like counting, listening to music, or breathing slowly. Suppose your child requires full-on physical comfort or support. Hold them on your lap with their back on your chest for a young child. For older kids, let them sit or stand between your legs.
4. Develop a Plan with Your Kid
Kids feel more powerful and relaxed when they can choose and decide. For instance, if you are going as a whole family to get tested, let them decide who is to go first. After the test, you can also include a reward so they can have something to look forward to afterward. Rewarding and praising your kid will reinforce a positive attitude in the next COVID-19 swab test.
Conclusion
To sum it all up, the recommended approach in preparing a child for any medical procedure or test is building a cooperative relationship with them. This reduces anxiety or fear and will make your kid feel in control over the COVID-19 test procedure. Additionally, having the right attitude will make the child positive about the test.
