Many kids get nervous about going to the doctor. So, as a parent, how can you make those visits feel less scary for your child? Below, our pediatricians in Highland, Indiana are going to explain different ways to help your child feel calmer and more confident during their next appointment.
What makes doctor visits scary for kids in the first place?
Most kids generally feel nervous before a doctor’s visit because they don’t know exactly what to expect. Because the entire experience is very unfamiliar to them, they fill their imaginations with scary situations. Even when an experienced pediatrician in Highland, Indiana explains what will happen in kid-friendly words, the uncertainty can still be extremely overwhelming for many children.
On top of that, many kids also feel scared about the doctor’s visit because they don’t feel in control. If they don’t know why something needs to happen or fear that they could get hurt, that tension builds. In fact, a study from C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital at the University of Michigan found that 66% of parents reported their 2- to 3-year-olds were mainly scared of doctor visits because they were afraid of getting a shot.
What can you do before the visit to help your child feel more prepared?
Kids feel less apprehensive about doctor visits when they know what will happen beforehand. One way to make sure of that is to talk to your child before the visit about who they will meet and what they can see in the office. This will help your child understand and trust the process. Once they have some basic familiarity, the visit will feel much less intimidating.
Some parents also find medical play helpful. Letting your child pretend to be the doctor can make the real experience feel more normal and less threatening.
You can also bring something from home that makes your child feel safe. This could be their favorite toy or blanket. An item like that will give the child something comforting in a new environment.
How can you keep your child calm once you are in the appointment?
During the appointment, one of the most reassuring things you can do is let your child know that you will be with them the whole time. That alone can ease a lot of their fear.
And when possible, give your child small choices, like which chair to sit in. Every small decision will help them feel more in control and less scared.
Distraction can also be a powerful tool in a medical setting. So, it’s perfectly fine to bring along something that your child can be busy with during the process.
And while your focus is on keeping your child calm, it is equally important for you to stay calm yourself. A parent’s anxiety can grow a child’s own fear and anxiety. Try to be calm, and your child is more likely to feel the same.
You can also inform the pediatrician about your child’s anxiety before the procedure. The pediatrician can then be better prepared for the visit.
Things you can do to make future appointments less stressful.
Once the visit is over, talk to your child about what went well. Point out the moments when they stayed calm or tried something brave. This can help your child recognize their own courage and build confidence for the next visit. Your child’s pediatrician in Highland, Indiana can also recommend more ways to keep that confidence growing between appointments.
If you can, why not plan something nice for after the visit? You could stop by a park, read a book, bake a treat, watch a movie or just enjoy some quiet time at home. Your child can start to associate medical visits with something positive. This is one way to make future visits feel a little less scary.
Looking for an affordable pediatrician in Highland, Indiana?
Are you looking for a qualified pediatrician in Highland, Indiana who can help your child feel calmer and more comfortable during appointments? If so, our pediatricians at 219 Health Network are the people to see. Contact us today at 833-219-0001 to schedule your first appointment.