A routine trip to the doctor’s office can be scary, overwhelming, and anxiety-inducing for parents and children alike. While the idea of throwing your hands up in defeat may tempt impatient moms and dads, check-ups and doctor visits are a regular part of ensuring a young child is developing healthily. That said, working to conquer their fears of poking-and-prodding primary care physicians will help take the anxiety out of the equation. While tantrum-free doctor’s visits may seem like a pipedream, well-behaving toddlers lie within the realm of possibility.
Manage your anxieties
With a looming doctor’s appointment on the calendar, parents often feel more stress about this routine visit than the child does (at least initially). Those feelings of financial strain, embarrassment about a potential tantrum, or worries over the state of your child’s health can quickly trickle down from you to your toddler.
With your empathic children in mind, shop for non-marketplace insurance before buckling the kids into their car seats and bribing anxious little ones with sweet treats, That way, your young children won’t sense lingering medical-cost-related anxiety when traveling to their annual physical.
Practice at home
A secret strategy that wonders in facilitating a more peaceful doctor’s appointment experience is practicing what that day will look like at home. Using toys to act out the scenario will put your child at ease. Because they will recognize the demonstrated steps when attending the doctor’s office in real life, it should provide some sense of comfort.
Bring a Soothing Item from Home
Taking an item like a favorite stuffed animal or blanket will make the unfamiliar space of a doctor’s office feel more like home. Communicating openly with your little one and asking them what stuffed toy would soothe their anxieties will ensure that you bring the right item. Kid’s favorite toys change so quickly, and giving them the power to make this decision will allow them to feel involved in the process.
Remember, little ones will often act out in response to situations that feel out of their control. With the help of Mr. Bear, your little tike will feel like they have a say in this emotionally taxing experience.
Distract/comfort them
You know your child better than anyone else in the entire world, and at the end of the day, you know what will comfort them in the face of ominous-looking shots or nasal swabs. While self-doubt may seep in, you have the parenting skills necessary as a good parent to coach them through their anxieties. With a strategic approach, you’ll both come out stronger together.
Make it a positive experience
Going into a doctor’s visit with a positive attitude will make a significant difference. Your child often feels what you feel. Once they sense your confidence and calm demeanor, your children will rethink their looming fears.
Take this into consideration when you speak about your upcoming doctor’s visit. If you remain unfazed and don’t make a fuss, your child will likely do the same. By treating the experience as an exciting part of growing up, and there is a chance your child may even begin to look forward to their visit and view it as an opportunity to showcase their big-girl attitudes.
Before you go
Helping little ones conquer the doctor’s office is a journey that most parents embark on, and with some practice and preparation, you are sure to come out on top of this battle. Remain calm and comforting. You’ve got this.