- Start by talking about going to the doctor positively and role-playing with your child, so they know what to expect.
- Discuss your expectations with them and explain why it’s essential to follow instructions from the medical practitioners.
- Bring distractions such as toys and books for them to play with during long waits at the doctor’s office.
- Be patient with your child, talking to them calmly and reassuringly and providing snacks if necessary.
Taking any child to the doctor can be a nerve-wracking experience. Kids are often scared and anxious, so parents need to do everything they can to make the visit as enjoyable as possible. Here are some tips on how to prepare your child for their visit to the doctor.
Start Early
Getting your child ready for a doctor’s appointment should start long before the appointment itself. Talk about going to the doctor positively, emphasizing that it’s normal and nothing to be afraid of. You may also want to role-play with your child, acting out how you will behave at the doctor’s office or hospital. This helps create familiarity with what will happen during the appointment, reducing any fear or anxiety your child might have.
Discuss Your Expectations
You must discuss with your child what kind of behavior is expected when visiting their doctor. Let them know that it’s okay if they feel scared or nervous but remind them that they must stay seated on their chair and not try to run around during their visit. Dental phobia is common among children. So, when you take your child to a dental clinic, it’s important to emphasize that the dental practitioner is there to help and that following instructions will make your child feel better. As a result, your child understands why these things are necessary even if they don’t like them.
During Check-ups
When taking your child for a check-up at the doctor, it is important to be prepared. Parents should ensure their child understands what will happen during the appointment and why certain things are necessary. Create an atmosphere of trust and safety during the visit, so they feel comfortable in this unfamiliar environment. By following these tips, parents can help make their child’s check-up at the doctor a positive experience.
Bring Distractions
Kids can easily become bored and restless during longer waits at the doctor’s office. To help keep them occupied and calm, bring along some toys or books to play with while waiting in line or between appointments. If you’re heading out for a long day of appointments, consider bringing snacks so that your little one doesn’t get too hungry while waiting around between visits. Here are some examples:
- Toys (e.g., action figures, stuffed animals)
- Coloring books and markers/crayons
- Puzzles or brainteasers
- Handheld video games or tablet devices
- Drawing supplies (e.g., paper, pencils, colored pencils)
- Legos and building blocks
- Stickers
- Music players with headphones
Be Patient With Them
Children can often become scared or anxious in unfamiliar environments, which means that a parent must be patient and understanding to help them feel safe and secure. It is essential for parents to take the time to explain what will happen during the appointment and why it is essential to follow the doctor’s instructions. No matter how anxious or scared your child might be before or during their appointment, you should stay calm and reassuring throughout the process. Your child may already feel distressed—don’t add to it. Here are some tips to help them calm down:
- Talk to them in a calm and reassuring voice
- Hold their hand or give them a hug
- Provide snacks if visiting for a long day of appointments
- Let them know they can ask questions throughout the visit
- Be patient with their feelings, and don’t add to any distress they may feel
- Avoid using negative words such as “hurt” or “scared” when talking about the appointment
- Encourage positive behavior by praising your child for following instructions
After the Consultation
After the consultation, parents must provide support and reassurance to their children. This includes discussing the results of any tests or examinations with them in an age-appropriate manner, as well as addressing any questions or concerns they may have. By taking these steps after each visit to the doctor, parents can help ensure that their child gets all the care they need while feeling comfortable and reassured throughout the process.
Plan Something Fun After
After a visit to the doctor, parents need to plan activities that will allow their child to relax and have fun. This helps provide a sense of normalcy after an often-stressful appointment and helps create positive associations with going to the doctor in the future. One way parents can do this is by ensuring they have some fun activities lined up after their child’s appointment. This can be going to the park, playing a game, or just taking time to snuggle and watch a movie—anything that can help your child forget about their doctor’s visit and focus on something fun instead.
The Bottom Line
Preparing your child for a visit to the doctor is an important part of ensuring they feel safe and secure throughout their appointment. By talking about it positively, setting expectations, bringing distractions, being patient with them during check-ups, and planning something fun afterwards, you can help make going to the doctor a positive experience for both parent and child. With these tips in mind, parents can ensure that their children receive all the care they need while feeling comfortable every step of the way.