Pain is a ubiquitous component of pediatric illness and injury. Unfortunately, the treatment of pain has remained secondary to the diagnosis and treatment of the disease state. Clinicians' duty is to relieve suffering, and, as such, the relief of pain should be a primary focus. Presently available modalities, when used appropriately, can significantly reduce the pain associated with medical encounters. Careful attention to such approaches may reduce the anxiety about pain, which is often an undercurrent at most health care visits, and allows clinicians and children to focus on getting well and staying healthy.