Shall I kiss it better?

20:16 Jun 11, 2015 

I don't think a lot more explanation is necessary - the general background of the text explains that ´this is how we do things in Denmark´ as a point for discussion.
The light, readable style is important to my client, as she is writing for a mixed and not necessarily academic audience.

09:57 Jun 11, 2015 

Colin, the humour got through all right...
Sorry if my answer was too heavy-handed!

The general context makes it clear for readers that the events go on in Denmark, and some things are not entirely the same as they would be elsewhere.
Target readers of the translation are parents and nursery staff, primarily in the UK, but ideally anywhere English is spoken.

09:06 Jun 11, 2015 

A possible addition to B D's suggestion

I used to kiss my fingers and 'blow a magic kiss' when [I] worked as a childminder and in Foundation Stage - it provides emotional comfort without physical contact.
http://community.babycentre.co.uk/post/a24295729/kissing_it_...
If you wish hard and blow a magic kiss onto a child's hand then they can hold it onto the bad knee and it works...
https://www.elevenplusexams.co.uk/forum/11plus/viewtopic.php...

08:55 Jun 11, 2015 

I see my attempt at humour failed. The unproven therapeutic effect referred to the shotgun treatment. The placebo effect of the "kiss it better" approach is proven beyond all doubt.

08:43 Jun 11, 2015 

I thought - a bit later - that ´blow it away´is perhaps not the smartest way to put it. It probably would not worry a toddler who did not know about shotguns, but of course the target readers might not like the idea.
The placebo effect is in fact extensively researched, and any toddler's mother will assure you that the mild sympathy and lack of worry in a quick kiss or blowing on the pain IS highly effective for non-serious bumps and tumbles.

08:17 Jun 11, 2015 

In UK English I am only aware of "kissing" rather then "blowing" in such cases.
In colloquial (American?) English, of course, "blow it away" could also mean "blast it with a shotgun", etc. To the best of my knowledge, the therapeutic effect of such treatment is, as yet, unverified by any peer-reviewed study. I imagine it would not necessarily be conducive to instant healing.

15:12 Jun 10, 2015 

I agree with Andrew on both points - 'blow it away' doesn't sound all that natural (though most EN speakers could prob figure out the meaning from context), and a stranger 'kissing it better' would just be plain creepy in this day and age. Maybe you could be a bit vague and just say 'the visitor comforted the child' without specifying how.

15:06 Jun 10, 2015 

I believe you are correct in saying that it does not sound right in English - in fact I doubt it would be understood. The child might think he has fleas in his hair or something.... On the other hand in these days of political correctness you are right to be careful. However if what you are translating is something from an earlier period - say prior to the middle of the 20th century, I think 'kiss it better' would be ac;ceptable and appropriate.
Just a few thoughts