For some kids going to the doctor is no big deal. They get on the scale, they open wide for a throat culture, and willingly let the doctor look up their noses. Some kids respond completely differently. They refuse to stand on the scale or even take off their shoes, they hold their breath or scream when the doctor tries to listen to their lungs. Both these types of kids are normal. However, how you or the doctor respond can make all the difference. Providing children even those who appear to be willing participants need appropriate information, step by step instructions, and ways to manage their own anxiety about what may happen next. The following are some helpful strategies parents and health care providers can implement to ease the anxiety for children potentially helping them to cope more effectively with a doctor visit.
Explain the reason for the visit: If the upcoming appointment is a routine "check-up" explain that is something all kids go to. Children go to the doctor to make sure everything in their body is working the way it should be and growing as it should be. Explain that the doctor will ask questions to make sure your body is healthy. This is also a time for your child to ask questions he may have about his body and his health.
If the reason for the visit is for a diagnosis or treatment of illness or other condition explain in simple terms that the doctor needs to examine you to figure out the best way to fix or get you back to what is important...(school, sports, friends)
Tell Children What to Expect During a Routine Exam: Using a doll or teddy bear show your child how the bear gets on and off and scale, standing tall and practicing being still. Try to make it a game. For example, Simon says stand tall like a tree. Purchase a toy medical kit and allow your child to examine her teddy bear or doll. Listening to the heart and lungs, checking ears, nose, and throat, or tapping on the bear's belly are all ways for your child to play doctor. Offering to read a story while the doctor examines the belly or sitting on mommy's lap when the doctor looks in her ears, nose, and throat are ways to support your child and build her comfort and self-esteem.
Discuss with your child the doctor will look at her "private parts" and although it is true that she has been taught about the privacy of her own body, doctors nurses, and p
arent
s must sometimes examine all parts of her body.
Emphasize these are the only exceptions.
Need More Help?: If your child is still really anxious, kicks, screams, or has been diagnosed with an illness or condition and/or needs further tests and procedures. You may need the assistance of a
Certified Child Life Specialist. (CCLS)
A CCLS has a strong background in child development, working with parents and children on developing positive coping strategies for managing emotions during a health care experience. Regardless of an exam, immunization, blood draw or surgery a
CCLS can help a family through the use of age-appropriate explanations, activities, distraction, and coping techniques that support and empower the child.
