Tips for Tear-Free Checkups

The average child will have nine well visits in his first two years of life and at least one checkup every year after. For kids who tend to worry and even fear going to the doctor, this can be overwhelming. Thankfully, parents can do a few things to calm the fears of kids who have an upcoming checkup.

            Discuss what will happen.

            Prior to the appointment, talk to your child about what to expect. Be open and honest about what will happen at the appointment and why. “We talk about everything that may happen, good and scary,” says Sara Sinani, Olathe mom of three boys. “I feel it helps them prepare emotionally and keeps the image of the doctor as a helper rather than someone to be feared.” After sharing what to expect at the appointment, ask your child if he has any questions or concerns. Be honest and tell the truth so kids know what to expect—even about unpleasant things like shots. “We encourage our kids to ask us, the nurses or doctors in order to get the info they need to feel comfortable,” Sinani says. The more information your child has, the more comfortable he will feel when the day of the checkup arrives.

            Role-play.

            Playing doctor is not only fun for kids, but it’s also a great way for them to get more comfortable with the idea of visiting the doctor. Tara Sayers, Olathe school nurse and mom of two, says, “I always buy kids doctor kits for their first birthdays.” She also suggests letting them touch the equipment themselves prior to someone else’s using it on them. Becky Asher, Olathe mom of triplet boys, suggests checking out library books about visiting the doctor or watching children’s videos like Daniel Tiger or Doc McStuffins that help kids learn what to expect from a doctor visit. Role-playing helps kids act out their fears and concerns, as well as become more comfortable with new situations.

            Come prepared.

            When the day of the checkup arrives, try to be as prepared as possible. Pack items that will entertain your child in case you have to wait, such as books, small toys, coloring books and crayons, or a tablet if wi-fi is available at the doctor’s office. Include any comfort items that may help your child if he is nervous or upset and a cup of water. Check with the office to see whether snacks are allowed before bringing one. Some offices to do not allow snacks because of the risk of allergies in other patients. You also might consider bringing pain medication, like Tylenol, to give after shots are administered. It’s best to wait until after the visit because an accurate temperature must be recorded prior to vaccines, and painkillers mask a fever if your child has one. Preparing yourself to be calm and supportive through the checkup is also important. Children can sense our fears and nervousness. When Mom and Dad are calm and comfortable, the child most likely will feel the same way.

            Plan a reward.

            Prior to the visit, set up a reward, big or small, for your child and let him know what to expect. Having something to look forward to after the checkup can make even a reluctant child more willing to cooperate during his time with the doctor. Choose something that will motivate your child. Some ideas include a treat like ice cream, a candy bar or going out for lunch or a trip to the park, pool or an opportunity to invite a friend over to play. Some parents also may decide to purchase a small toy or book their child has had his eye on. Whatever you choose as a reward, explain to your child what it will be and how he will earn it. After the visit, tell him you are proud of his bravery and talk about how he felt during the appointment. When a child knows he can talk about his feelings honestly, he is usually more likely to discuss other fears in the future.

10 Children’s Books About Doctor Visits

            Books can help kids understand what to expect from an upcoming doctor visit and help them work through their fears. Check your local library for these titles to read with your child:

1.A Visit to Dr. Duck by Rosemary Wells

2.How Do Dinosaurs Get Well Soon?by Jane Yolen

3.Nervous Nellie: A Book for Children Who Worryby Dr. Urmila Pai, MD

4.Biscuit Visits the Doctorby Alyssa Satin Capucilli

5.The Berenstain Bears Go to the Doctorby Stan and Jan Berenstain

6.Corduroy Goes to the Doctorby Don Freeman and Lisa McCue

7.Froggy Goes to the Doctorby Jonathan London

8.Doctor Maisyby Lucy Cousins

9.George Visits the Doctorby Nicola Smee

10.Sarah and Duck Visit the Doctorby Sarah Gomes Harris

Mom of six Sarah Lyons lives in Olathe with her family.