The dreaded Covid test has now, unfortunately, become part of our every day lives.
As adults we know it's uncomfortable and unpleasant, but a necessary evil.
No one likes the feeling of that swab poking into the back of their throat then up their nose. It's simply not nice, but for children the experience can be extremely upsetting and in some cases, quite traumatic.
As parents we want to do everything we can to safeguard and protect our children and while it might not feel like it, a Covid test is doing just that.
The NHS say testing is the best way to ensure you know whether you child has the virus and if positive, the best way to ensure you're caring for them appropriately and that you are not spreading the virus to others.
But no one said it was easy, so we have put together some tips on how to help get your child through a Covid test.
1. Prepare them
Use child-friendly language and information to ensure they are not going into the test blind. Showing an NHS video might help so they are not frightened when you announce you need to place a swap into their mouth and nose.
When explaining the process it's important to be honest and give them the facts, without making it sounds scary. Be straight with them that it's not gong to be pleasant, but it won't take long and you know they can be super brave. If your child is older, the advice is much the same. Explain it's unavoidable but will be over quickly.
If your child is young and particularly anxious, it might be worth getting them to practice with a cotton bud on a teddy or doll first, so they know what to expect.
2. Get comfortable
Make sure your child is sitting in a comfortable spot. If there's more than one adult, it might be a good idea for one to do the test while the other acts to reassure to the child. If the child is very small it might be worth sitting them on a parent's knee while the test is done.
3. Distract them
While the child needs to sit still and focus on allowing the test to happen, finding small distractions will help ease any anxieties.
For instance getting them to say 'Aaaarrrgghhh' while the throat swab is being done, gives them a 'job' to do while the, arguably, most unpleasant part is going on.
Play music or count to ten to sooth them if they become upset.
Let them watch a table or hold a teddy or something else that gives them comfort or distraction.
If you are testing more than one child, try and get the least anxious to go first and show those most worried that everything will be ok.
4. Come back to it
If your child is really upset it is important that you don't force or restrain them. Just safely pop the test away, offer comfort and tell them you can come back to it later.
As parent and test giver it is important to remain calm and confident and reassuring. There is a good chance this won't be their last covid test so it is important not to make it a trauma if that can be avoided.
5. Praise them afterwards
It's a big deal. They deserve to be praised. Maybe even rewarded with something small like a treat or some time on their gaming console, tv or tablet.
Making it a positive experience means it is more likely that any other Covid tests your children have to endure, will go more smoothly.
Be sure to pick up on their particular strengths; "You sat so still like a statue, that was great", "You were so brave" etc.
Tell them that the test doesn't mean they have the virus and even if it turns out they do, it won't mean anything serious for them.
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