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August is National Wellness Month, making it a perfect time to think about how to prepare your children for trips to the pediatrician. It’s widely recognized that visits to the pediatrician are not often among kids’ favorite activities. Whether it’s for their annual check-up or because they’re unwell, they might face vaccinations, physical exams, or other tests that can be quite daunting. However, parents can take steps to alleviate the tension that kids might feel before such visits. Here are some expert recommendations:
Inform Them Ahead of Time
Let your children know about their upcoming pediatrician appointment, but avoid excessive lead time; experts suggest informing them about two days in advance. Registered nurse Marsha Durkin says, “Tell your child about the doctor’s appointment a couple of days before” to help reduce their anxiety. Providing more time can sometimes make the appointment seem more serious in their minds and lead to unnecessary worry.
Clarify What to Expect
Discuss what will take place during the visit. Family therapist Raffi Bilek advises parents to “give specific details about what your child will see and do at the doctor’s office” to help them prepare. Marsha Durkin concurs, stating that giving as much information as possible about the appointment will aid in alleviating fears. Describe the waiting room, the examination room, and the doctor’s equipment, including how it might feel. For instance, inform them that a blood pressure cuff may be snug and a stethoscope can be chilly.
Prepare your tweens and teens for the possibility that the doctor might spend part of their annual wellness check-up discussing developmental topics with them privately. Emphasize the importance of being forthright. “Remind them that the doctor is a trusted person,” explains pediatrician Dr. Julia Carlson, “and that anything they share will remain confidential.”
Discuss the Importance
It’s crucial to explain why they need to see the pediatrician in terms they can grasp. If it’s a sick visit, tell them the doctor’s role is to help them recover. Durkin recommends saying something like, “The doctor needs to examine your body to determine how to alleviate what’s troubling you and help you feel better.” For a routine check-up, clarify that visiting the pediatrician is an essential part of maintaining health. Child psychologist Dr. Julie Morrison suggests comparing it to a car’s oil change or inspection: “Kids understand that cars require maintenance; going to the doctor for a check-up serves a similar purpose.”
Answer Their Questions
If your children have inquiries, address them thoroughly and honestly, including questions about potential pain. Durkin notes that while it might seem easier to reassure your child that the exam won’t hurt, they could feel deceived if they find out otherwise. If you’re unsure about something, admit it. For example, you might say, “I can’t say whether you’ll need a shot. The doctor will assess what you need to feel better after they examine you.”
Clarify what to expect at the doctor’s office and the reason for the visit, but don’t overemphasize it. Dr. Carlson warns that “talking about the visit excessively” can make it seem more significant than it actually is.
Maintain a Calm and Positive Attitude
Children often reflect their parents’ emotions, so it’s vital to remain calm and upbeat. According to Dr. Carlson, if you’re anxious about the appointment, “your children will notice and may become anxious as well.” However, pediatrician Dr. Chrystal de Freitas advises that “maintaining a calm demeanor will help your child understand that there’s nothing to fear.” Avoid giving excessive reassurances, as Dr. Nina Kaiser points out, “that can inadvertently suggest that the situation is more concerning than you imply.”
Dr. Haas is also the author of a children’s book. Find it here
