Fighting needle phobia during flu season: Have a play date

Most kids, like a lot of adults, don't like getting shots. Here's a tip if you're a parent gearing up to take your child to have a seasonal flu shot.

Go with some of your child's friends and make a play date out of it.

Me and my mommy friend Tammy took our kids together to an Everett-area flu shot clinic at a neighborhood church and it worked out great.

The kids amused each other beforehand with chatter and some chasing around. Then when it was time for the big moment, the kids were for the most part distracted with each other that the tears and protests didn't really amount to much.

Afterward, the recovery seemed instantaneous. Then, as promised, we went out for ice cream and more play.

Misery loves company, no matter what age.