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10 Tips for a Tear-Free Checkup

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As informative and caring as your pediatrician may be, it is no surprise if your little one often dreads regular well-child checkups. Parents reluctantly schedule the appointment, knowing that a battle may ensue when appointment day arrives. After her daughter had to endure extensive lead poisoning tests, Kansas City mom Madison Shelley found that her toddler associated a visit to the doctor to one singular thing: pain. You can imagine her daughter’s response when it was time for even a simple well-child checkup!

Shelley is not alone in what is often a trying experience for children and parents alike. Here are 10 tips for getting the most out of your next well-child appointment.

  1. Preparation goes a long way. Well before your next visit, discuss with your child what the visit will be like. This is especially helpful if your child likes to know what to expect before going somewhere different.
  2. Talk to your child about why he goes to the doctor. Try statements like, “We love Doctor ____ because she keeps us safe and healthy!” and “We are so blessed to get to go to our doctor because he keeps us feeling good and happy!” Just as you point out the importance of eating a healthy lunch and safely buckling in the car, talking about the role of doctors in your daily life can help children create a positive outlook and respect for their doctor.
  3. Avoid negative talk. Chris Kemmling, a Shawnee mother of five, finds that when talking about the doctor with her children, she needs to avoid using negative phrases,  such as, “It won’t hurt much.” Kemmling says, “The child is more likely to hone in only on the word ‘hurt.’ And promising that an appointment won’t hurt is never a good idea.” Rather, she teaches her children that sometimes things that are good for us may be uncomfortable for a short time.
  4. Make it fun with music. Shelley’s daughter Eloise loves to sing, so she uses Doc McStuffins songs to ease anxiety prior to a doctor visit. “We would sing the day before, on the way in the car and while she was getting shots and blood draws. It was so calming for her,” Shelley says.
  5. Get a doctor kit and practice at home: Allowing your children to role play can make them feel more at ease when the nurse checks vitals and performs other routine procedures.
  6. Read a picture book. Build literacy skills and prepare for the doctor’s office at the same time! Splat the Cat Goes to the Doctor and Berenstain Bears Go to the Doctor are both high quality options that can be found at your local library.
  7. Use rewards. Your doctor may have a sticker or prize box to choose from after the visit, and talking about it can provide some motivation. Or, bring a lollipop to pass the time and ward off tears.
  8. Grab books, colors or a small toy. Although the waiting room usually has something entertaining for children, the exam room generally has little to offer.
  9. Prepare a list of questions ahead of time to speed the visit. Discuss the upcoming appointment with your partner and write down questions so you are ready to go over them with the doctor. Jot down the answers while in the room so you don’t forget!
  10. At the end of your visit, be sure to have your child say, “Thank you, Dr. _____!” The goal is to build an appreciation for your doctor and end the visit on a positive note.

Having the right health care provider for your family makes a big difference in how your child feels about going to the doctor. If you are looking for a new pediatrician or think your child is uncomfortable at your current office, consider these questions:

Emily Cline lives in Lenexa with her husband and 3-year-old son, who has rarely cried in a pediatrician’s office.

As always, please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns.

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