Distraction

• Distracting a child who is nervous works when a child has a mild case of nerves. Younger children are more easily distracted, but old children may be calmed as well. Consider the child's favorite food, movie, book, music or toy. If the child is nervous about going to the doctor, or taking an important test in school, a small toy companion, like a stuffed animal or action figure, works effectively to bolster the child's bravery. Singing favorite songs, reading a book, or discussing an upcoming event works well to distract the child from a current fear. The key to distracting a nervous child is considering the item or behavior that makes the child happiest.