As most children become anxious about going to the doctor, parents worry. The kindergarten checkup is when they begin to have their initial diagnostic screenings making it difficult for them to enjoy their visit.
Some might have to see a children’s ADHD specialist in St. Lucie, for example. However, there are a handful of ways parents can help calm their children down before heading into this new situation.
You could sit with your child and show them pictures of you as a young child and your parents. You could then explain that when you were young, your mother and father had to take you to the doctor when you weren’t well or needed an exam. Tell them how important it was then and how it is crucial for them now.
6 Good Ways to Help Your Child Overcome Fears of the Doctor
1. Enrol your child in a child-friendly pediatrician
The more children associate the pediatrician with a fun experience (playing video games, watching cartoons, playing cards and games), the less on edge they may be when they enter their office. Unfortunately, it can take up to a year for children’s fears to subside. Pre-reviewing the checklist and acting as a parent advocate will help your child get the best treatment possible.
2. Seek an alternative medicine perspective
Pediatricians are very well educated regarding alternative medicine, so they can offer common-sense health advice to parents and their children and provide them with information regarding what treatments are available in that particular area of medicine. It is essential to keep this in mind. However, that alternative medicine is not an all-knowing panacea.
3. Create a positive environment
The pediatrician’s office is very stressful for children and adults alike. The environment can be made more comfortable by providing a calming greeting for your child when they enter their office (perhaps a song or funny anecdote). You could offer comfort afterward by playing cards and other games, such as computer games, or even playing video games on the television screen.
4. Make transparent appointments with your child’s pediatrician
Some children also believe that they have to go to the doctor every time they have a minor complaint, which can be very draining for you and them. You must talk to your child about why it is best to wait until you have had a chance to speak with your pediatrician about specific ailments.
5. Find a good paediatrician with a comfortable office
This is an important step in helping your child overcome their fear of the doctor, especially if they are already afraid or do not usually enjoy medical facilities. Stress to your child that the doctor is there to make them feel better when they are sick or have a problem.
Pediatricians are very well educated regarding alternative medicine, which is why they can offer common-sense health advice to parents and their children and provide them with information regarding what treatments are available in that particular area of medicine. It is essential to keep this in mind.
It would be helpful if the doctor could explain some of the instruments they use to check the eyes or the nose so the child understands what the instruments are used for. They won’t be as frightened of them if they know how they work.
6. Go in and see the office before the actual visit
If time permits, it might be a good idea to take your child to the doctor’s office and let them see what it looks like. There is probably an area where there are toys or books for children and you can explain to them that they can touch those things when they come in.
Though probably not possible, if you can, meet the doctor so your child can see who they are. You could meet the office staff also. Maybe one of the staff could show your child around the office and make them feel at home so when they have their real appointment, the child will feel comfortable because they have done it before.
Going to the doctor for the first time is a little nerve-wracking, but with the right amount of preparation, it can be a great experience for a child.
