Easy-Breezy Shots!

Facing Fears of Shots With Guided Imagery: A Visit To Their Happy Place

For many kids, the idea of getting a shot can feel scary, overwhelming, and even impossible. As a parent or caregiver, it is tough to see your child anxious or in tears, even when you know the shot is necessary.

But what if there was a way to help your child feel brave and in control in the doctor’s office?

One gentle, effective tool is guided imagery. This technique helps your child picture their "happy place" to relax their nervous system and shift focus from fear to calm.

Let’s walk through how to use this comforting technique before and during a shot.

What Is Guided Imagery?

Guided imagery is a calming mental exercise that invites your child to visualize a place, memory, or scene where they feel safe and happy. This could be the beach, a playground, or even a magical castle full of unicorns!

When a child uses their imagination this way, it engages their brain in a positive sensory experience which slows their breathing, relaxes their body, and creates a sense of safety.

How To Guide Your Child To Their Happy Place

Practice Before The Appointment    

Practice guided imagery a few days ahead of time while reading Easy-Breezy Shots!

Ask your child to close their eyes and think of a place that makes them feel happy, safe, or calm. Then ask:

• What are you doing in your happy place?

• What does it look like?

• What do you See? Hear? Taste? Smell? And Feel?      

Encourage them to describe their thoughts with as much detail as possible. Write or draw the scene together, or record it on your phone for them to replay later. For more information, please check out Lumie’s Lessons in Action.

At The Doctor’s Office 

Before The Shot: Use Their Happy Place

• Have your child close their eyes.

• Gently guide them with a whisper or soft tone:

“Let’s go to your happy place. Imagine you are lying on the soft blanket in your treehouse. The birds are singing, and the leaves are rustling. You feel safe. You feel strong. You are brave.”

• Let them hold your hand or their favorite stuffed animal.

The goal is not to erase the fear, it is to provide them the tools to get through it with support and self-confidence.   

After The Shot: Celebrate Their Courage

Even if there were tears, your child made it through and that’s worth celebrating!

• “You did it! I am so proud of you! I saw how hard that was and how brave you were.”

• Reinforce the power of their happy place: “I loved how you pictured your beach. That was such a great way to help your body feel safe.”

Final Thoughts   

Shots are just a few seconds long but the fear can feel much bigger and overwhelming. With the help of guided imagery, you are not just getting through the moment, you are giving your child a lifelong tool for handling fear with imagination, confidence, and grace.

Helping children shine through shots - one book at a time!