Helping Your Child Overcome Doctor Anxiety
Memories of the last round of vaccinations or of a past injury can leave a young child feeling anxious the next time they are due for a regular checkup at the pediatrician's office. However, assuring your child that there is nothing to fear may not set them at ease. In fact, it can even worsen the problem if they do need another vaccination or have to undergo anything uncomfortable during the visit. The following tips can help you and your child work through their fear so they can learn to trust their pediatrician.
Tip #1: Be Honest
Don't try to hide things from your child. If they will need to do something uncomfortable or painful, make sure they are aware of it. Shots are the major fear for most young children. Using child-appropriate language, explain why shots are important and that you, too, have to get shots sometimes. It may even help if you get a shot at the same time if you are due for any vaccinations, such as influenza or tetanus. Sometimes seeing mommy or daddy be brave helps your youngster break through their own fear.
Tip #2: Schedule Appropriately
A sleepy or hungry child is a grumpy child, and also a child that is more likely to be triggered by fear or anxiety. Schedule appointments for the time of day when your child is most alert and is least likely to be hungry. To be safe, you may want to pack a healthy snack and drink. Sometimes a long waiting room stay can result in some minor irritability, which a snack can help relieve.
Tip #3: Foster Camaraderie
Find something your child is excited about and encourage them to share it with their doctor or nurse. For example, if your child is into dinosaurs, encourage them to bring their favorite toy or book on the subject so they can show their doctor. Pediatricians try to bond with their young patients, and providing the means to do so can help your child view their doctor as a friend instead of someone to fear.
Tip #4: Plan Something Fun
A special treat after a doctor's visit can help your child associate the pediatrician with happy memories. It can be as simple as stopping for ice cream or visiting a park. If the office is in an area of town that you're unfamiliar with, research parks or activities in that area. Having a special park you only go to after the doctor's can add a touch of excitement to the visit so your child will look forward to their next appointment.
Tip #5: Play Doctor
If your child is still anxious, try to play-act before their next appointment. First, figure out which part makes them most nervous. For example, is it shots or the blood pressure cuff? Then, take turns playing doctor and patient with your child. Going through the actions from both sides can help your child work through their fear. Blood pressure cuffs aren't so frightening when the child is the one placing a pretend one on their parent. Play is how children process and work through things, and fear is no different.
To discover more about how to help your child be more comfortable at the doctor's office, talk to your pediatrician.
Share