Distraction Tools
Today we’re talking all about distraction and the power in redirecting our focus away from stressors. There are two forms of distraction-the physical type of distraction and the mental form of distraction. Typically, mental distraction involves thinking about a person, place, or thing that brings positive memories and feelings. We consciously use our mind to think about something else. Both physical and mental forms are impactful but in this post, I will be focusing on physical distraction tools.
Fortunately, for many Child Life teams, we have access to a variety of toys and activities in our playrooms, storage closets, etc. We use these items to “bring a sense of home” to the hospital for our patients but we are also mindful of what we purchase or ask for because we use them as tools. And, toys are really tools for children. They are the most familiar type of items to children. They are utilized to understand new concepts and learn about their world.
Not only do toys help children learn but they are the best distraction tools as they can quickly grasp attention. New toys or a novelty items are even more exciting as they haven’t been explored yet. One of the biggest novelty items for children right now is Mom or Dad’s phone, am I right? Ha But, tech devices like the iPhone, iPad, video games… can be addicting for children so it’s important to limit exposure.
Here is a list I have compiled that contains my “go-to” distraction tools or toys that have been effective during medical procedures. You will find that they are pretty small in nature so you can pack them up for your next clinic visit or hospital stay. :)
Infant/Toddler Distraction Tools
Bubbles: These are excellent for quick medical procedures, long wait times, and height/weight checks at your annual doctors’ visits! Try to avoid those thicky, goopy bubble brands because they can leave a mess!
Magic Wand: Magic Glitter Wands come in all different sizes which is great for little fingers. You can get a small one so your child can hold it and manipulate it themself or you can get a big one for you to hold!
Wave Bead Drum : These are simply magical as you can make a few different sounds with them that aren’t too overstimulating.
Music: Music is always a great tool if you’re caught in a bind and only have your phone on you. For infants, classical music or ocean sounds off Youtube can be really soothing and for toddlers, classic lullaby sounds that they are familiar with can be effective. Extra points if you pick songs your child can sing along too!
Preschool Distraction Tools
Light Spinner- Light spinners are one of the best distraction items for kids for blood draws and vaccinations because the bright lights help children redirect their focus quickly. What can I say- the spinners are mesmerizing! Honestly, the best ones can be found at Disneyland but if you’re peeking around Amazon, I recommend this linked spinner because it’s durable. Unfortunately, many light spinners are cheap and break if dropped!
Pop-it-Pop It’s serve as great fidgets for little hands. Since they usually require two hands to play with, I recommend using Pop-It’s during wait times when your child is feeling anxious and needs a distraction.
Doll or Action Figure-I recommend bringing some smaller sized options that your child can bring out when they want to play or need an item to hold on to for comfort.
Look & Find Disney Books-Grab one of these books and make a game out of it with your child. Hold up the book in front of your child’s face so they can see the fun visuals in front of them instead of whatever not-so-fun thing is happening around them.
School Age Distraction Tools
Water Bead Ball-Water bead balls are great sensory items! They can be squished and squeezed when your child is feeling nervous but they also have a calming effect because of the water inside the ball.
Fidget- Fidgets that only require one hand can be best if you’re looking for a great distraction during finger pricks, blood draws, IV placements, etc.
iPad game or Video- Ensure that the game you choose is something your child already knows how to play and if you’re throwing on a video, make sure it has limited ads or else they’ll lose interest.
Teen Distraction Tools
Music- This is always a great option because it allows a teen to fully tune out of a stressful situation! If they have airpods or earphones of any kind, pop those in as well.
Youtube Video or Movie-Having a little stand for your teens’ phone or iPad can be helpful in some procedural situations as they won’t be able to physically hold anything themselves. In order for the video to be helpful in keeping them calm, you’ll want to make sure the video is in their line of sight.
Stress Ball-Stress balls come in all shapes and sizes. They’re great in releasing stress and helping with deep breathing. I like to offer them to patients when they’re doing difficult exercises during physical therapy and when they’re feeling nervous about an IV placement!