Should I tell my 2 and a half year old she's having a blood test this morning?

[maybethedayafter]

She hates hospitals. Her veins are very weak from her time in NICU, when she had to have a cannula earlier this year it took half an hour to get it in. She is old enough now, not to fully understand, but to have some sort of comprehension. I have some numbing cream to put on her and I know she'll ask "what's that Mummy?" How is best to handle this? Should I tell her to prepare her and reassure her that I'll be there? Or will it make it worse if I tell her?

Last time we went, they sat DS on my lap facing me so we cuddled and they had access to a hand/arm from behind us. They chatted to him the whole time and he didn't even know it had been done. Was impressive as I've had to restrain him before which was a nightmare but this was effortless.

I would tell, but not until she's having the cream on. My DD is a similar age and has needed quite a few blood tests (and will need them again soon). So normally we get cream on, go play in the play area in the waiting room. Then generally the hospital we go to has a play therapist with lots of toys and we look at something peppa related while I hold her. It's usually over fairly fast, and then she gets a cuddle and a treat.

It's hard watching her upset but it's over quickly. I remain as matter of fact as possible about it and once it's over we go about our day as usual.

DD is generally very stoic about it all, she sometimes is too engrossed in peppa merchandise to notice. In fact she finds vaccinations much worse as the IM hurts more than a little butterfly.

I would tell her but not until just before.

I have been honest with my dd every time with vaccinations and she copes very well. I just think not telling her breeds distrust.

Hope she gets on ok.

I'd tell her, but just before. I wouldn't give her loads of time to build up anxiety about it.

All done. I told her as we got out the car. She cried of course but she was fine and is over it now. She's had some chocolate buttons and a CBeebies magazine so she's well away!

Glad it went well.

Well done both of you !