Distraction can be used successfully with all age groups, but it should never be used as a substitute for preparation. Babies can be distracted by colorful, moving objects. Parents can help distract preschoolers by showing picture books or videos, telling stories, singing songs, or blowing bubbles. Many youngsters are comforted by hugging a favorite stuffed animal. School-age children can watch videos or TV or listen to music.
Several institutions use interactive videos to help distract older children or teens.
Through a little bit of trial and error, I learned that it was best for me to not make him aware that the procedure would be needed until a few hours before it was actually performed. We developed a ritual that helped him a great deal. I would place a finger puppet on one of my fingers and tell him that he could squeeze the puppet as hard as he felt was necessary. I asked him to try and keep eye contact with me at all times, and we would practice deep breathing during the aspiration. I also told him it was okay to cry or scream as loud as he wanted to if he felt like it.