With new requirements to test our children twice a week with home COVID tests, you may be feeling a little daunted about the process. After all, nobody particularly enjoys having a swab stuck up their nose! We've put together a few ideas to make the process easier, especially for younger children or those who feel anxious about testing.
1. Use distraction
For children who find it really hard they may need something to distract them during the invasive part of the test- a song they like, a TV show, something lovely or fun to look at like a kitten playing.
2. Count down technique
Let your child know that it will feel uncomfortable, and let them know how long it will feel bad for. Eg. You could say, I’m going to put this in your nose and count down from 5. When I get to zero it will be over.
This helps the child to understand the time limitation in the discomfort.
3. Lots of praise!
After anything unpleasant its always wise to praise the child for going through with it. Specific praise is best, eg. "You sat really still, that’s a fantastic effort!" or "I know it's uncomfortable! You were really brave."
4. Consider a reward system
Simple and small rewards can help children be motivated to participate in regular rapid antigen testing. Consider something small as a reward that will help motivate your child to continue to participate in the testing each week.
5. Waiting for the results
Some kids find it hard to wait for results! If that is the case at your house, consider how to set the testing for a certain time that naturally allows for a time gap. For instance, you might choose to do the test before dinner, and then check the results after dinner. You might choose to do the test before a bath time routine and look at the results afterwards. If your child requires it, you may need a higher level of distraction such as video games, TV or time to talk with you.
6. Managing confusion about the process
For some children, they need to understand the specific steps to the process. As well as explaining the steps clearly, you might consider using a visual aid like this:
7. Control and practise
Many children want to have a sense of control over how the testing will occur. They may like to practise doing the test themselves with a cotton bud, or choose when the test occurs (within parameters set by you). They may even like to determine simple things such as if you count up or down, what type of timer you use or which parent does the test with them.
When so much feels like they have no control, giving them some control where possible can often help your child to be calmer.
8. Staying calm
As a parent, the best way to keep our children calm, is for us to stay calm. Consider what you might need yourself to be able to cope with a potentially distressed child and make arrangements accordingly.
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