I think I'm getting ds's vaccinated, any tips on explaining it to them ?

[verybusyspider]

ds1 is 3.5yrs and ds2 is just 2, the last vaccinations they had was MMR at 12months (ds1 not had his booster yet) ds3 is 6months so not worried too much about him as I know he'll cry
I'm worried how to manage the vaccinations, our surgery is running open clinic next week, 9am till 12, stand in a queue, how do I prepare ds's so they don't go hysterical on me? which one do I do first without putting others off??(bearing in mind I'm on my own) any good ideas for rewards/bribary?

I was due to have my 3 dcs (DS1 is 4.10, DS2 is 3 and DD1 is 9 months) vaccinated on Monday (cancelled due to them all being poorly) and was thinking exactly the same thing, who should go first and how to explain it to the DSs. I did mention to ds1 that they would all be having a little injection (he's older than your ds1 so remembers his MMR booster)to stop them getting poorly, that it might hurt a bit but not for long and they could have a packet of chocolate buttons afterwards, plus we had arranged to pop in and see a friend after going to the doctors so he would have that to look forward to. I have to admit his reaction wasn't very positive, despite the bribes I offered.
My plan was to get ds1 first, ds2 next and the baby last - mainly a personality thing with ds1 and 2 as ds1 a bit more sensitive and likely to get upset and anxious if he watches ds2 have his first, but conversly more likely to be brave about the pain, so less likely to scare ds2 if that makes any sense. Dd1 would be last as I think she'll need the most physical comforting and possibly a feed to calm her down, which would be tricky if the older dcs were having theirs after her. Also her screams might totally freak them out .

Anyway, am now having ds2 and dd1 done together next week while ds1 is at school, then ds1 on his own the following week, which although more of a faff may be a bit less stressful... though I'm still anticipating the need for lots of chocolate bribery rewards!

Phew, as if making the decision whether or not to get them vaccinated wasn't tough enough...

Sorry, just realise there was nothing much of any practical help in that message. Just wanted you to know you're not alone in your dilemma

I had my two done - DS1 is 3 and DS2 is 13 mths.

DS1 has had a few jabs recently. I was dreading it but he honestly didn't cry for any of them.

I told him that it might hurt very quickly but he was prepared with a dolly mixture in each hand .

I asked him what colour his dolly mixture was at the crucial moment and that distracted him.

The needles are so tiny these days and the nurses so quick, it was all over before he knew it.

DS2 cried briefly but he's younger so expectd him to - no dolly mixtures there but it really wasn't as bad as I thought.

Good luck

My youngest two had it, they are 4 and 2.
DD2 had it in the arm and barely felt it, she was honestly wondering what all the fuss was about
DD3 had it in the leg (I think all under 3s get it in the leg?) and said, "Ow! That hurts!", but didn't cry or make a fuss.

I told them before hand that it would hurt a little bit, like a quick pinch, but that it was good for them and would stop them getting sick. They seemed to trust me on this.

DS 3.5 years had his MMR recently. He is a bit sensitive. For example, I told him recently he had red cheeks..he ran off worried to DH. When the notice to get it done came through the door I stressed out and made DH take him. Turned out it was 2 injections as well. Anyway all was fine.

DH told him they were going on an adventure later on. They were going to go to the Drs and that he was going to give him some medicine, that it'd be through a tiny needle and that it'd hurt a little bit, but the hurt wouldn't last very long. He also told him that it'd stop him getting poorly like when he had chickenpox, wasn't that horrible etc etc. The best bit of the adventure was that after they'd run to the shop and get a small toy.

I couldn't believe how well it went. Even when the second injection came out he was fine apparently and the nurse was very impresssed, as was I!!!

I can't decide as you are waiting in a queue whther you are better to leave explaining the injection bit til the Drs. I think you might be better to get 3.5 year old in first as they are less likely to cry and upset the other one, but you know your own children better. Oh and Dh gave him some calpol first to stop pain from the injection.

I had needle phobia til recently and don't want my DC to end up with it too.

Good luck

I'm now wondering if I should send ds1 to preschool as normal and get littler done then ds1 at later date, not sure if surgery will let me do that...
pinkpip - I think you are righ about personalities, ds2 will take most comforting and will scream blue murder if he's turfed off my lap before he's ready, I can imagine ds1 getting upset before hand... must go and buy some chocolate for next wed!

Separately sounds a good option if possible. Probably less stressful for everyone then