Taking my (fairly new) Charges to the Peds for Vaccinations
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Anonymous
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I've been with my charges for 5 weeks, they are absolutely adorable and I am really growing to love them. They are 5, 2, and 9 months and all three have an appointment Friday for a routine check-up and the the youngest and oldest are due for vaccinations (9-month old Hep B and IPV) and 5-year-old Dtap booster. I'm very anxious about the trip. I know that shots can be a pretty traumatic for children, especially when mom and dad aren't there. MB told me not to tell the 5-year-old about the shots, because she doesn't handle it well! I'm glad it's not all three but a little overwhelmed of how I'm suppose to handle an screaming infant, wild two-year-old and panicking Kindergartener!
Any suggestions from nannies and parents? What should I bring? I'm brining my iPad to give to the 5-year-old during and after the shot, hopping that works...and a bottle during and after the shot for the infant. |
Anonymous
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Unless there's an emergency, I feel like it's irresponsible of your MB/DB to saddle you with taking them to get their vaccinations.
And I'd be weary of handing over my Ipad during the shot. What happens if the kid is upset (likely) and throws/drops the ipad? |
Anonymous
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Two year old and infant strapped in a stroller. Have a bottle/pacifier ready for the infant immediately after. The baby will get over it quickly because he won't know what is happening. For the five year old have a snack, sticker and hug ready. It will go quick and you will just have to comfort her.
I'm not the kind of person who likes to withhold information like that to child. I know it may cause anxiety but I feel like warning them a week in advance, talking and reading about can help soothe them. They may get worked up when you arrive but I feel down the road they will start to realize how it's not that painful and just part of life. |
Anonymous
| I loved our nanny--we had her for 5 years--but I would have NEVER asked her to take the kids for the vaccinations. I feel like that's a parent thing. I take them about half the time, DH about half the time. |
Anonymous
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This is a very difficult thing to ask of you. Doesn't seem fair at all. Can you ask if a parent can go with you?
If not, can the parent call the pediatrician and ask them to a) make sure you're not kept waiting, b) go in age order for the shots so the 5 year old is done first and doesn't have to sit waiting/watching. Yes, bring food and ipad and maybe a new toy that the 5 yo gets after her shot (big girl takes the shot well, gets new toy - I'm a believer in blatant bribery for the occasional survival mechanism!). When you get there talk to the staff and let them know what you're dealing with. Ask them to help expedite, entertain, etc... Hopefully they will take pity on you. Good luck!! Again - this seems pretty unfair to you but if you pull it off you can add it to your resume and give yourself a big pat on the back! |
Anonymous
Thanks, they said their previous nanny took the children to the doctor, and that I was expected to do the same. I think the other nanny was a grandmother, I just turned 23....so I'm a nervous wreck. |
Anonymous
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Are your charges allowed to have candy? If so bring a lollipop for the 5 year old to have during the vaccination.
One of my 5 year old charges freaks out at the thought of getting vaccinations. He will tense up making the experience 10x worse. He always received a lollipop after from the doctor's office, but was usually too angry to actually want it for awhile. Two vaccinations ago we started bringing a lollipop with so he could suck on it while receiving the vaccination. He barely flinches now b/c his mind is on the lollipop. It still hurts him, but his focus has been diverted enough to avoid the before-vaccination freakout/anxiety as well as the after-vaccination meltdown. I second the idea of the stroller for the the two little ones if you're worried about containing the toddler. I also like the idea of having the 5y/o go first for her shot...less time to stress about it. Bring some small toys and books from home for all the kids and especially for the 2y/o to keep busy with while shots are being given to the siblings. I've taken three children (similar ages as your charges) to the doctor. It won't be as bad as you think (although my middle toddler wasn't a wild one). Just be prepared with small toys, a plan for which child goes first, and a lollipop if allowed. |
Anonymous
| MB here - I'm surprised a parent would want you to take their kids to the doctor without them when you're just getting to know the kids. I trust our nanny but I wouldn't saddle her with that and I don't think it's fair to the kids either. If you're really uncomfortable with it, maybe you could ask a parent to be there the first time so you can see how the kids react? I know I'm going to get flamed for this, but ultimately as parents it IS our job to do this kind of stuff even when it's inconvenient. I think it would be different if you had been working there for a long time, knew the kids and were comfortable yourself. Clearly that's not the case. If you do end up going, I agree with all the good ideas above. Snacks/treats/distraction and help from the staff at the doctor's office. |
Anonymous
| What I did in a similar situation was: the mom took a couple hours off of work. Picked us up and we all went to the pediatrician together. Mom was in room with kid + nurse and while one was getting a shot I was keeping the other one busy in the waiting room. Kids were so scared and mom + extra nurse had to pin the kids down on a table because they were so nervous about getting the shot. Glad the mom was there because even though I could have done it if necessary, I wouldn't have felt comfortable. Ask the mom or dad if they will meet you guys at the drs office for an hour or two. |
Anonymous
| Definitely bring a lollipop for the oldest. Sucking is proven to soothe. Also bring favorite stuffed animal. |
Anonymous
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Discuss it with the 5 year old before going to the ped. Let them choose a comfort item to bring. Pack a few lollipops.
Vaccinations aren't difficult, IMO. You warn them, offer comfort and snuggle them. If you're upset about it, they're going to notice and react to your emotional state. |
Anonymous
| I don't think it's a big deal..I take my charges all the time. Bring a paci and a bottle for the baby...lollipops for the older kids..and a stroller for the kids to sit in if it gets chaotic. The nurses may help you. I would prepare the kids..read books and play doctor. Explain what will happen and why..Mr Rogers explains it wonderfully and addresses that the shots not pleasant..see if you can find the book at the library or the episode online |
Anonymous
Don't let the kids smell fear on you! The "I'm a nervous wreck" thing is trouble - they're like animals. 
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Anonymous
| I routinely took the little ones I took care of to their doctor and dental appointments without the parents. And yes, I had three I took care of. I would hold them when they had their shots and lovingly speak to them and tell them how brave they were being. Bring books and other things to keep them occupied. If it is ok with the parents, take them for a treat afterward. Bring a bottle and pacifier for the little one. |
nannydebsays
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I do not understand lying to kids. Why not be honest? "Yes, sweetie, you will get a shot /shots today. It will hurt for a minute, then you will feel better."
Do this from the very start, and maybe you wouldn't have kids freaking the heck out about doctor visits. Would these parents like to be lied to when they are going to experience some discomfort? (Sorry for the rant OP. Hope the Dr visit goes well.) |