Going to the doctor isn’t very much fun. Not only do you have to be at your most vulnerable in front of a doctor you may have never met before, you also have to worry about troubling statistics, like the fact that medical errors are the third leading cause of death in the United States.
Although kids don’t worry about the same kinds of things in the doctor’s office that adults do, they still have a lot to be scared about! Whether they’re going for an annual checkup or they’re visiting the doctor for an illness, there are things you can do to make their trip a little less stressful.
Don’t Talk About the Appointment Too Soon
It’s not a good idea to spring a doctor’s appointment on your child at the last minute. You’re in for quite a temper tantrum if you get out of the car and your child realizes you’re at the doctor’s office!
You should let your child know about their appointment ahead of time, but that doesn’t mean you should tell them too early. Telling your child the day before their appointment gives them enough time to prepare without giving them too much time to worry. Just make sure you’re there to answer their questions as they work through the emotions they may be feeling about knowing they have to go to the doctor.
Make Sure Your Child Knows What to Expect
It’s important to tell your child that they have an upcoming appointment at an appropriate time, but just telling them they have an appointment isn’t enough. Make sure you’ve talked to a nurse in the office about exactly what’s going to happen at the appointment so you can tell your child what to expect.
Children are often fearful of doctors because they hate shots. If their appointment doesn’t involve getting a shot, tell them! They are likely to be a little less scared.
If they are getting a shot or having a scary exam or procedure done, explain what they can expect when you tell them they are going to an appointment. Focus on how what is being done will make their life better and they’re more likely to feel a little less scared about it.
Practice Their Appointment at Home
If your child is particularly anxious about their appointment, consider practicing what they might experience at home. There are some great kids doctors kits out there!
Show your child what a stethoscope is, what kind of device is used to peek into their ears, and use a popsicle stick to look into their throat. Not only is practicing what they will experience at home before their appointment a great way for them to prepare, it also gives the two of you a chance to have fun before going to see the doctor. It show your child you care about their feelings too.
Bring Comfort Items to Their Appointment
Lovies can help your child in many ways, including the doctor’s office. If they have a favorite stuffed animal or blankie, let them bring it! If it would help, the nurse and doctor may even be willing to give the same exam to their lovie to make the experience less scary.
Distraction can help a lot in the doctor’s office too. Bring a game or open a new toy while you’re waiting in the waiting room. Watching a favorite show on a tablet can also help, but only if you’re able to ask your child to turn it off without a temper tantrum. Otherwise, it’s best to leave the tablet at home.
Do Something They Can Look Forward to After the Appointment
No matter how much you try, a trip to the doctor will always be a little stressful. Your child is more likely to be brave if they have something to look forward to afterward.
Some fun things you can do with your child after their appointment include:
- Make and eat popsicles
- Get ice cream
- Go bowling
- Go swimming
- Go shopping for a new toy
- Play at the park
- Go out to eat
Not sure what to do after their appointment? Ask your child! They will be even more excited if they get to pick what they want to do after their appointment.
Going to the doctor isn’t fun for anyone, but it can be especially stressful for children. With the tips on this list, you can make going to the doctor a little less scary and maybe even a little exciting!
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