They say prevention is better than cure, but if your child already has fears about going to the doctor, or had been traumatized by the vaccination shots that they got, enough for them to cry at the slightest hint that they are going for a check-up, then you are not alone.
A lot of parents are having difficulty convincing their kids to go to a check-up when they are not feeling well. However, we cannot blame them. After all, who will not get scared when blood has been drawn from their arm after one particular laboratory check, or when they got that stingy anti-measles injection?
Here is 12 possibly ways to alleviate those fears:
1. Talk to your child. If your child is old enough to talk and explain her feelings, ask her what particular aspect of the check-up is he or she getting scared of, then try to alleviate those fears. Try and use medical terminology that will educate them without making them feel anxious so that talking about the doctor will help!
2. Team up with the doctor. Although most pediatricians are trained to make themselves less scary to kids, it would help to talk to your pediatrician about how your child feels. This way, she can exert extra effort to make the check-up a more pleasant experience.
3. Schedule your children’s check-ups at the same time. If they have the same pediatrician, it would be wise for you to schedule it at once so that they could entertain themselves. They can also watch while the other one is being checked and hopefully would realize that there is really nothing to be scared about.
4. Let your children know what will happen to them if they do not undergo the procedure, of course in terms that they could understand. Furthermore, before going through a procedure like an X-Ray, for example, describe to them how the machine works to ease their fears and worries.
5. Buy them books about kids’ check-ups, and watch relevant shows that can ease their fears. Buy storybooks that have medical check-ups as their theme. Read it to them. Search for cartoon episodes that show that there is nothing to be afraid of in medical treatments and check-ups.
6. Do not lie. Do not tell them they will not get shots, if, in fact, they will. Do not tell them that they will not get an IV line when the possibility is very likely. Tell them what to expect, and what these procedures can do to make them feel better. Tell them it may hurt, but it will hurt all the more if they will not get treatment.
7. Try to go when they are in a good mood. If it is just a well-visit, then make sure the day before that they went to bed early and will have a good breakfast the next morning to avoid the crankies.
8. Bring along their favorite toy or book. To ease their worries while waiting for their turn, bring along a favorite toy that could take their mind away from the approaching check-up or treatment.
9. Plan a nice activity after the check-up. Yes, this is some sort of a bribe, but if your child is well enough to go to a park and the weather permits, then why not promise that you will have a ‘special activity’ right after the check-up?
10. Pack in a treat. So technically this is another bribe, but giving children something that they like to eat or play with after a particularly difficult check-up will definitely redirect their attention from the pain they have experienced.
11. Do not conjure up bad images of medical professionals. When they are being naughty in the house, do not scare them by saying that the doctor will soon come by to give them shots. This is a no-no, especially for children who are already scared about getting shots or getting any form of medical treatment. It would be best if they have a pleasant image and memory about doctors and other hospital personnel.
12. Let them tag along on your medical check-up. If the clinic permits, let your child see you being checked by your own doctor. This way, he can see that it is not just him who gets checked and that people really need to see doctors so that they can stay healthy.
Going to the doctor and seeking medical help is not something children can do without. It is up to us parents to make the experience more pleasant for them by telling them that everything is for their own good.
Ellen Banks says
My little sister is terrified of the doctor. In the past, calming her fears has been very difficult. I will be sure to bring her favorite toy or book as you suggested. This may help her feel more comfortable.