We do the finger pricks here in Australia.  It is far less traumatic for our child than blood draws.  It is a simple, quick procedure - four pricks over a day, once every 3 months.  We have even done the prick on ourselves to see what it feels like, and it is only a very quick sting on the end of the finger.    Way less painful than a blood test (for me anyway!).  Our daughter doesn't 'enjoy' the procedure, but protests a lot less than the blood draw.  Through our experience with blood draws, it seems that if you can get someone really experienced and good at getting blood from children then it's not too bad.  However, we have struck problems sometimes with having trouble getting the blood out and having to try the other arm etc.  This type of procedure causes a lot of anxiety and street to both our child and myself.   Anyway, we find that the finger pricks work well for us, but it may not work as well for others.