Is your child afraid of the doctor? If so, each visit to the pediatrician might stress out the child— and the parent—and going to the doctor might seem like too much for either party to bear. This does not always have to be the case.
Though each child is different, there are certain things you can do to help them feel more comfortable. The team at Idaho Falls Pediatrics, an Idaho Falls children’s doctor,
recommends the following four tips to help your child feel more confident about their doctor’s appointment.
Tips to help your child overcome their fear of the doctor
Tip One: Go with your child to their appointment
With a busy work schedule, you might not have time to attend your children’s doctor’s appointments. In these situations, they might be accompanied by a nanny or grandparent. Though your child might feel comfortable with this individual, no one makes them more confident than a parent. Attending your child’s appointment will help ease their fears because they know you will be there to keep them safe.
Tip Two: Roleplay with your child
Though it might seem silly to you, role playing and practicing what might happen in the doctor’s office will build your child’s confidence. At the store, you can purchase inexpensive doctor toys your child can use on stuffed animals to understand what will happen during their appointment.
Tip Three: Bring a comfort item
Most children have an item that makes them comfortable. Does your child have a stuffed animal or a blanket they constantly carry with them? If so, let them bring it to the doctor’s office. Just being able to see or hold their item might help them feel safer during their appointment.
Tip Four: Offer an incentive
No one loves to go to the doctor, especially if you have to get shots. Sometimes, the anxiety of an appointment can make the time pass slowly. To help your child feel better, offer to do something they enjoy afterward. Looking forward to a fun activity or reward will help ease the anxiety of the visit to the doctor.
You child’s next appointment
Your child might be afraid to go to their next doctor’s appointment, and that is OK. By applying these four tips, you can help your child feel more prepared and confident for their visit with the pediatrician.
