In the early months of a child’s life, going to the doctor almost always involves getting a vaccination and being poked at. It’s little wonder that many children have great anxiety about seeing the doctor.
Parents can help ease the anxiety by laying some ground work and play some fun games before the doctor’s appointment. Here are some useful tips for getting children to see the doctor.
Find a Child-Friendly Doctor
Pediatricians are trained to treat and handle very young children. So they know how to talk in a manner that will make children comfortable. However, some parents prefer to take their children to see general practitioners. In that case, parents should find a doctor who is really good with children. Ask around. Friends and relatives are good sources. Check that the doctor’s office is equipped with books, toys and games to keep children occupied while waiting for their turn to see the doctor.
Schedule Doctor’s Appointments Early
Try to schedule appointments as early as possible. That way, the child is more likely to be seen on time. The shorter the waiting period, the better it is for the anxious child. It also means there will be more time to do something fun after the doctor’s appointment. In fact, parents can use the post-appointment activity as a carrot to encourage the child to be more willing to see the doctor.
Make Doctor’s Appointments Part of Normal Life
Mum and Dad go to see the doctor too. Make that very clear to the child so that he understands that going to the doctor is part of normal life, not something frightening. Let the child know whenever Mum or Dad has a doctor’s appointment. If possible, bring him along so that he can experience what goes on in the doctor’s office.
Refer to the Doctor as a Friend
The word “doctor” can be very intimidating for a young child. After all, the doctor is the man or woman wearing a white coat with all the scary syringes, needles and other equipment to poke the body with. Ease the child’s fear by referring to the doctor as a friend. Instead of telling the child he has an appointment with Dr. Lindley, tell the child that he’s going to visit his good friend Dr. Lindley.
Play Doctor at Home
Get a toy doctor’s kit and play doctor at home with the child. Take turns playing the doctor and the patient. Stuffed animals and dolls can be pretend patients too. Act out what usually happens in the doctor’s office. Explain that sometimes a check-up may not be very pleasant but it’s for making sure the child is healthy and growing well. Avoid telling the child that shots won’t hurt. Say that the shots will only hurt like small pinches and they help protect the child from harmful germs.
A visit to the doctor’s office doesn’t have to be scary. Parents can help children to feel more comfortable about seeing the doctor by finding a child-friendly doctor, scheduling doctor’s appointments early, making doctor’s appointments part of normal life, referring to the doctor as a friend and playing doctor at home with the child.
Found this article useful? Read also When to Take a Child to the Doctor, How to Give Children Medicines and Choosing a Family Doctor.
Reference:
Borgenicht, David and Grace, James. How to Con Your Kid. Philadelphia: Quirk Books, 2005.
Wei Yin Wong - I started my working life as a reporter at an English daily called The Sun in Malaysia 16 years ago, writing health-related articles. ...
