How do I prepare my child for shots?

Tell the truth (a pinch or a sting for a few seconds), choose the timing that suits your child, and offer small choices, Children's Hospital Los Angeles suggests.

When should I tell my child about a shot?

Some children do better with a day's notice and others knowing right before. Younger children often do better with shorter notice.

How do I help a child afraid of needles?

A comfort hold, like your child sitting on your lap facing you, and a distraction they pick themselves.

Is there a book about going to the doctor for toddlers?

Tella makes a story instead of a printed book. It stars your child at their own checkup, and it's ready the same day on your phone, tablet or TV.

All fears

How to prepare your child for shots

Be honest that it pinches for a moment, tell them who will be there, and give them a few small choices.

Custom story for Jonah

Jonah gets a shot at his checkup, counts to three with Dad holding his hand, and earns a dinosaur bandage.

Count to Three, Jonah

Story created for Jonah

Child life specialists at Children's Hospital Los Angeles suggest telling kids the truth: they might feel a pinch or a sting, but only for a few seconds. Some children do better with a day's notice and others knowing right before, and small choices, like a book, music or a toy to look at, give them some control.

Before any doctor visit, UMass Memorial Health suggests talking about what will happen and being as specific as you can. A social story is one way to do that. That's why Tella is built so the story stars your child, with the grown-up whose hand they hold.

If a hospital stay is coming up, there's more on how to prepare your child for surgery.

A shot social story starring your child

Here's how Jonah's story goes.

Dad crouches down eye to eye and tells Jonah the truth: it pinches for a moment, then it's done.
Nurse Amy shows Jonah the bandages, every one covered in smiling dinosaurs.
Jonah makes his choice: squeeze Dad's hand and count to three out loud, all by himself.
It pinched, just like Dad said, and then it was over, with a dinosaur bandage on top.

Watch Jonah’s whole story

Questions parents ask

How do I prepare my child for shots?: Tell the truth (a pinch or a sting for a few seconds), choose the timing that suits your child, and offer small choices, Children's Hospital Los Angeles suggests.
When should I tell my child about a shot?: Some children do better with a day's notice and others knowing right before. Younger children often do better with shorter notice.
How do I help a child afraid of needles?: A comfort hold, like your child sitting on your lap facing you, and a distraction they pick themselves.
Is there a book about going to the doctor for toddlers?: Tella makes a story instead of a printed book. It stars your child at their own checkup, and it's ready the same day on your phone, tablet or TV.

Questions parents ask about Tella

Is it more screen time?: You watch it together, and it's about a real day in your child's life. No feed, and every story has an ending.
Is it safe?: No photo needed. See what we keep and who sees it.
Is it really about my child?: Every scene shows your child and your family, not a name dropped into a template.
What does it cost?: Your first story is free. No card needed.
Why not just ask ChatGPT?: See how a Tella story compares.

Updated November 9, 2026.

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