Easing Doctor's Office Anxieties

Let’s face it. Not many people really like going to the doctor’s or dentist’s office, but when it’s a fearful and anxious child, an appointment can be downright uncomfortable for everyone involved. A fear of the unknown can make your child squirmy and uncooperative, which might affect the quality of care he receives. The good news is that there are some simple things you can do to prepare your child for his upcoming visit to help allay his anxieties.

Take out the toy doctor kit and regularly engage your child in role play by taking turns pretending to be the doctor and patient. Touch his tummy, look in his eyes, ears and throat and listen to his heartbeat. This will familiarize him with the process, which will help him feel more comfortable with the actual doctor. And be sure to answer any questions your child may have about the visit, including what routine things may occur.

“Definitely get a doctor’s kit and play doctor. Then when they go for real, it’s not as scary,” Kansas City mom Tanya Foster says. “I got my daughter a doctor’s kit at a young age, and she loved it. I also explained to her what doctors do and what to expect, and I took her to my appointments so she could see for herself.”

A few days before the appointment, tell your child that she will be visiting the doctor and explain that you will be right there with her. If she will be getting shots, be up front with her and tell the truth. “Yes, a shot will hurt, but only for a few seconds.” Lying to your child will only make it more difficult to get her to go to the doctor in the future, and she will no longer trust your responses to her questions and concerns.

“My daughter had a fear of needles, so I brought along her teddy bear from home on the day of her 5-year-old shots so she’d have something special to hold,” Kansas City mom and registered nurse Jill Scott says. “Children are very afraid of pain and being left alone. Always reassure your child that you will be there at all times.”

Small children identify with Elmo, so try watching a movie with your child, like Elmo Visits the Doctor. It’s a perfect way to show him that it’s normal to be scared and that everyone goes to the doctor. It also illustrates what to expect when going for a doctor's visit.

If you and your child would like to get to know a bit about the doctor, check out the office’s website for a picture and background information about the doctor. This way, your child is able to see the doctor who will be examining him beforehand.

Stay positive. Your child can sense when you’re nervous or anxious, so try to be relaxed and confident. If you remain calm, chances are greater that he will, too. Keep a positive tone when you’re talking about the doctor’s office and act excited about his visit.

If you’ve tried all of these strategies, but your child is still upset and anxious, talk with your pediatrician or dentist about arranging a brief visit so your little one can just come into the office and sit in the medical chair without being examined. If possible, let him wear the stethoscope and introduce him to the nurses. Spending time at the actual doctor’s office will make it seem less scary so he’ll feel more relaxed when he comes in for an actual appointment.

When the day of the appointment arrives, try not to discuss it with your child, as it may increase his anxiety. Instead, be sure to bring along snacks, a favorite stuffed animal or blanket to offer comfort and to distract him while in the waiting room.

In addition, give your child something to look forward to. Plan a trip to the playground, an outing to the ice cream shop or a visit with one of his friends as a fun follow-up to a trip to the doctor or dentist.

A fear of the unknown can be hard for a young child to handle. By taking time to show youngsters the things that will happen at the doctor’s office and answering their questions honestly, you can help ease anxiety and make the doctor’s visit a much nicer experience.

Kansas City mom and author Gina Klein is still using these anxiety techniques on her nine- and six-year-old … especially when it comes to shots!