Get Your Kids Ready For a Doctor’s Visit
It’s no surprise your kid isn’t a fan of the doctor’s
office. It’s a weird, funny-smelling place full of strange
adults a little too interested in poking and prodding. Admit
it, going to the doctor makes you a little nervous too, and
you know what to expect. Here are 9 ways to prep your
kids to avoid the tears, the whines and the screams.
- Don’t drag it out. Telling your
child about an upcoming doctor’s visit days in advance
gives them too much time to build up tantrum-inducing anxiety.
A good time to tell younger children is that morning or even
when you’re on the way there. Older kids can be told
earlier, but keep it brief.
- Answer questions honestly. Your child
may ask you if she’ll be getting a shot, or if it’s
going to hurt. Your answer should be appropriate for her
age, but it has to be honest. A child’s imagination
can make mountains out of molehills. You can help curb her
anxiety by telling her what to expect when she asks.
- Don’t concentrate on how much it hurts. Even
if you know there are no shots involved in this visit, don’t
bring it up. Telling a child “Don’t worry, the
doctor’s not going to hurt you” still creates
a bad association between doctors and pain.
- Be a comforting presence. Reassure your
child that you’ll be with them the whole time. Let
her express how she’s feeling. Share by saying, “The
doctor can make me nervous too sometimes. But then I feel
better when I think about how she’s there to make sure
I’m healthy,” or “she’ll make icky
feelings go away.”
- Don’t be misleading. It’s
tempting to promise a child they won’t be getting a
shot just to get them out the door. But if that’s not
true your child will end up feeling tricked. She might put
up more of a fight next time and distrust your promises.
- Be firm. Firmly yet gently let your child
know going to the doctor’s is not up for debate. She
may want to start bargaining with you to get out of going,
but entertaining this behavior (even with silence) can lead
to more stalling. You can nip the conversation in the bud
by saying, “I’m glad you’re sharing how
you feel with me, but we still have to go.”
- Offer an incentive. Promising your child
a special treat in return for good behavior at the doctor’s
office pressures her with an unrealistic goal. Instead, tell
your child that after the doctor’s visit you’ll
do something fun together - and do it no matter how she behaves.
It might not make the actual visit any smoother, but it does
create a positive association for next time.
- Don’t make the doctor a threat. Don’t
make the doctor’s office your weapon of choice when
your child is misbehaving. Saying, “Stop acting out
or you’ll have to go back to the doctor’s for
a shot!” and your kid will be more scared when it’s
really time to go.
- Try role-playing at home. Familiarize
your young child with going to the doctor by playing at home.
You can take turns with a pretend stethoscope and check each
other’s reflexes. When it’s time to go, she’ll
be more prepared.
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