Instructions: Rate child in each of the five categories, add together, and write down the total pain
score (0 - 10).

Pain Measurement Tool for Age 3 to 7 Years

Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale



     Instructions: Point to each face and read the words to describe how strong the pain is. Ask your child to choose the face that best describes their pain and record the number.
Last updated: June 1999

From Wong, D.L., Hockenberry-Eaton, M., Wilson, D., Winkelstein, M.L., Schwartz, P. Wong's Essentials of Pediatric Nursing, ed 6, St. Louis, 2001. Mosby, p. 1301. Copyrighted Mosby. Reprinted by permission.

Pain Control Tips for Toddlers and Preschoolers: 1-5 Year Olds

• Tell your child if something is going to hurt. For example, for a shot you can say, "This may feel like a stick poking you or a little pinch. You let us know how it feels for you."



• Don't threaten your child with a shot. Your child will think it is a punishment, instead of something that will help.



• Have your child choose an activity that will help distract them from the pain. Pop-up books, counting and stories get your child's mind on something else. Games, toys and sing-along songs are good when your child feels better. Giving choices helps him feel more in control.



• Teach your child to relax. Yawning, going limp like a rag doll, a back rub, imagining a favorite place can help relax tight muscles, and decrease pain.



• Show your child how to breathe slowly and evenly. This can be very calming. Your child can blow a pinwheel or bubbles to see what a slow, deep breath can do.



• Let your child play with puppets, dolls or stuffed animals. This may help him show fears and feelings about the illness and hospital. A child may not be able to tell you these in words. Getting them out through play can decrease the fears and lessen pain.



• Give your child something of yours to hold (like your watch) during a painful procedure if you are not going in with her. This will reassure her you will be right back.