Tips to Keep Your Kids Entertained and Stress Free When Seeing a Doctor
By Sarah Scrafford
The idea of going to the doctor or hospital can be a very scary thing for young children, and even scarier for parents who
can envision the screaming, kicking and temper tantrums that might ensue. Rather than hide behind an outdated magazine and
pretend the child belongs to someone else, doing a few simple things before, during, and after your child’s visit can help
make sure that the stress-level stays low and that your child gets the care that they need. Below is a list of tips and
resources for making your trip to the doctor a piece of cake.
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Do Your Research
Some of the most important things you can do to keep your child’s visit to the doctor stress free happen before you ever
set foot in the office.
1. Choose the right doctor
It is extremely important to pick a doctor who both you and your child are comfortable with. You should take your time to
research doctors in your area, ask friends and families for referrals, and tour offices. Click here for a few more tips on
how to pick the right pediatrician.
2. Be consistent
Once you find a physician that you are comfortable with and your child likes, it’s a good idea to stick with this person.
It will help your child to know what to expect and feel more comfortable with trips to the doctor. (If there’s a
particular nurse in your doctor’s office who your child reacts well to, it’s a good idea to request this nurse in advance
of future appointments).
3. Pick the right ER
You can do a little research now to make an emergency situation go more smoothly, should you ever find yourself in that
position. Check out the hospitals in your area and find out if any of their emergency rooms have child specific units.
Communicate
Helping your child to understand what happens during visits to the doctor is one of the most effective things you can do
to help minimize their fear and anxiety about what will happen.
4. Explain what’s happening
It’s important to use words that your child will understand when you’re explaining what happens at the doctor’s office.
Using age-appropriate language, you should explain what your child can expect to see, hear, and even smell when they visit
the doctor.
5. Roleplay
Using this technique is one of the best things you can do to help your child understand what will happen during their
appointment. Your child can practice being the patient while you play the doctor, or you can reverse roles. You can also
consider using a stuffed animal as a potential patient to show your child what the doctor might do to them during the
appointment.
6. Read a book about going to the hospital
There are several books written just for children that help explain what a visit to the doctor or hospital is like. Click
here for some suggestions.
7. Make it sound normal
In addition to the medical procedures that happen at a doctor’s office or hospital, there are also many “normal” things
that go on as well - like watching TV, talking, playing with toys. By emphasizing these aspects of the doctor’s office
with your child, you can help them see their visit as a more normal occurrence.
8. Be honest
It’s important that you honestly communicate with your child about why they are going to the doctor and what will happen
while they are there. While it’s important to be sensitive and not scare them with too much information, your child will
be less anxious before and during the appointment if they are prepared for what might happen.
9. Be specific
Children often don’t understand medical terminology, so it’s important to explain in detail what’s happening. For example,
if the doctor has to “take some blood,” it’s important that your child knows that this is just a small amount to help them
get better.
10. Give them some warning
Children should be told in advance of any pending visit to the doctor. This will allow them time to express any fears or
anxiety that they might have and prepare in advance for the visit. With younger children, a day’s warning is probably good
enough, so as not to give them too much time to worry about what will happen.
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Be Prepared
We all know what it’s like to sit in the waiting room, anxiously awaiting our name to be called so we can see the doctor.
This nervous anticipation is even worse for young patients, so it’s important that you’re prepared to help make the
waiting game as short as possible.
11. Bring your insurance information
It’s necessary to bring your insurance and prescription card to your appointment. This will help expedite the process and
also help your physician’s office determine what your co-pay is and if you need to be preauthorized by your insurance
company for any procedures.
12. Be on time
It’s very important to be on time for your child’s appointment, because if you arrive past your scheduled time, it might
be hard for your doctor to fit you in. If you know that you have to fill out paper work or insurance information for your
child before their visit, it’s a good idea to arrive 15-20 minutes early.
13. Make a list
You might want to write down any questions or concerns you have about your child’s health before you get to their
appointment. This will help you remember what you want to say should your child’s anxiety or emotions distract you during
their visit and prevent you from having to make another appointment for things that you forgot.
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Make It As Fun As Possible
Bringing a few extra things along with you for your child’s visit to the doctor’s office or hospital can help make sure
you have distractions on hand, should you need them, and keep your child entertained throughout the process.
14. Pack a snack
We all know that hungry kids are cranky kids, so it’s good to have some kid-friendly snacks on hand should your
appointment take longer than expected. Click here for some snack ideas.
15. Bring a book
If your child has a favorite book, it’s a good idea to bring it along. It will help you kill time in the waiting room and
serve as a comforting reminder of home for your child.
16. Know some games
If haven’t done so already, it’s a good idea to brush up on some kids games that you can play with your child to help the
time go by. You can use this gamefinder to find something appropriate.
17. Let your child choose a “comfort” item
Does your child have a favorite stuffed animal or blanket? Let them bring it along to help them feel more secure and safe
during the visit.
18. Bring some “just in case” items
If you find yourself in the position where you have to bring your child to the emergency room, it’s a good idea to bring a
few extra things with you to make the process go smoothly. A toothbrush, a change of clothes and your cell phone charger
are always good ideas to have on hand in case you have to stay overnight.
19. Pack a doll
More than just a comfort item, a doll can also serve as a great guinea pig during your child’s appointment. The doctor or
nurse can demonstrate on the doll what they’re going to be doing to your child to help them understand.
20. Involve your child in the process
If you’re going to be spending more than one night at the hospital, it’s a good idea to let your child help you pack their
suitcase and pick what you’ll be bringing with you. That way, you won’t forget anything that they might want and they’ll
feel like they have more control over the process.
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Get It Over With
One of the best things you can do to help reduce your child’s anxiety about visiting the doctor is to get it over with as
quickly as possible. The tips below will help you do just that.
21. Make it go quickly
By using the entertainment tips above and being as prepared as possible, you can make the appointment go more quickly - or
at least feel that way.
22. Learn how to present your child’s case
Quite often, parents find themselves as nervous and as flustered as their children when they see the doctor. It can be
helpful to familiarize yourself with your child’s condition or symptoms before you go in, so you know how to help your
physician understand what’s going on. Click here. to learn how to most effectively present your child’s case to your
doctor.
23. Ask the right questions
If your child’s doctor says something that you don’t understand or you find yourself wanting more information, make sure
you ask questions. This will help prevent an unnecessary trip back to the doctor’s office.
24. Know the medical history
Knowing your child’s medical history will help their doctor more quickly make a diagnosis and prescribe the appropriate
treatments. To find out what’s included in a medical history,click here.
Source: Ondd.org
Tue Feb 17, 2009 9:14 pm