Medical play the creative way

Are these things you hear when your kids see the tweezers, medicine or bandaids?

Ouchies, too sharp!
Ewwww yuck.
They're too sticky!
I'm scared.

In our house, as soon as the tweezers come out for splinter removal, our daughter runs in the opposite direction. She'd rather keep her new accessory than face the tweezers, which is why we encourage exposure to them in a non-threatening way, at a time she's calm and regulated (i.e. not in the moment of pain and anxiety!)

Get creative with real medical resources to support desensitisation- syringes, tweezers and bandaids are readily available.

• Bandaids: make a collage with the different sizes and shapes, draw legs and faces on them

• Syringes: add paint and get messy, or add them to the bath as mini water pistols

• Tweezers: use them to sort tiny craft items, or play a “rescue mission” game with small toys trapped in tape.

By making medical items part of everyday play, you can help your child feel more familiar and less fearful when they see them in real situations. A little fun and creativity now can make a big difference when it really matters.