It?s a tough thing when your child hates getting needles?they begin to dread those appointments and may even start to tense up at the thought of going to the doctor?s. But a new study shows that parents play a huge role in how kids cope with pain from shots. In fact, there are things parents can do to actually reduce their kid’s pain and distress.

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Baby getting shots" Why it's important for parents to stay calm
The study, which was conducted by researchers at York University and published in the journal Pain, followed 760 children through their vaccines in their first year of life, and then again at preschool. ?We were not only looking at them but looking at their parents,? says Rebecca Pillai Riddell, senior author of the study and York research chair in pain and mental health. ?We really found that parents are powerful in shaping their preschoolers? pain response.? Want to offer your kiddo some comfort while they?re getting a shot" Try these eight evidence-backed strategies to make the whole process smoother for both of you.
1. Check your own stress.

Pillai Riddell recommends parents start by assessing their own feelings, because the research shows that when parents are stressed, kids don?t cope as well. If you?re an...