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Older children should do their own tests
As soon as your child is old enough to do the test (perhaps at the age of 5 or 6) he should be encouraged to do it himself. This will give him a greater sense of responsibility and will help him to accept blood testing as part of his daily routine. Some supervision will be needed.
Some children object to tests
It is common for children, as they become adolescent, to object to doing their tests. This is part of the general resentment of ‘being different’ that is common and natural at this age. Also if they do not appreciate the reason for doing the tests, they will be less inclined to do them.
Also the teenager is starting to have a busier social life, school work is getting more demanding or sport more important, and it is harder to get up in time in the mornings. For these and other reasons many tests may be left undone, and the parent may wonder how much to push the child, and how much to do the tests herself.
Your child may want privacy when doing the test, and this should be respected. A child needs some discipline at this age, but also a lot of understanding. Each child presents a different problem for himself and for those who are trying to help him. Usually it is best to allow your child’s doctor to help with the solution of this problem, if it should arise, rather than allow it to be a continuing battle between parent and child.
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