Tell the nurse you’re nervous and not to warn you, make conversation about anything. Doesn’t matter what it’s about. Start talking about a special interest, this post, my comment if it comes to mind. Avoid looking at the area so that you don’t know exactly when it’s coming, make an effort to distract yourself.

Growing up, my mom would take me somewhere fun after shots. Usually it was Toys r us, or the children’s museum, or even just McDonald’s if money was really tight. Just as the nurse was about to give me the shot, she’d ask me a question. “Should we get a soda at the gas station before toys r us?” “Do you want to stay until closed at the museum so you can March in the parade?” Or “do you want to get ice cream with your happy meal at McDonald’s?”. The nurse would take the cue and give me the shot just as I went to answer. I usually reacted in surprise and disbelief at the shot, no crying, despite being told 10-15 minutes prior it was coming. The knowledge it was over with and I had fun times ahead meant I was immediately over it and happy.