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.

1. 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.
   
2. 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.
   
3. 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.
   
4. 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.”
   
5. 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.
   
6. 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.”
   
7. 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.
   
8. 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.
   
9. 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.