Despite the brightly decorated walls and cheerful atmosphere, a visit to the pediatrician’s office can be stressful for kids and parents alike.
Unfamiliar people and equipment can seem frightening to young children. Nearly 89% of parents with 4- to 5-year-olds report them as afraid of needles. That means, for some parents, calming their child’s anxiety can dominate the visit.
Soothing young children's nerves before a trip to the doctor isn’t easy, but there are strategies that can work better than others. Here are five steps you can take to make your doctor’s visit easier.
1. Calm yourself
Children are especially sensitive to our moods and anxieties. Take time to gather your thoughts, and write down any concerns and questions for the doctor. Arrange for plenty of time to travel to the appointment, and call ahead to prepare yourself to pay any outstanding balances or update insurance information in advance.
2. Prepare, practice and play
Kids do best when they know what to expect. Taking time to practice and play through what will happen at the appointment is key with young children. A pretend doctor kit is a valuable tool and allows children to feel in control while practicing tasks like holding still and taking deep breaths.
3. Use soft words
Be gentle but honest when communicating with kids about their visit. Reassure them that while you might not know the outcome of the visit, you will tell them before anyone gives them a shot, blood draw, medicine, or some other test. Avoid creating needle phobia by refraining from teasing or threatening the use of a shot for poor behavior.
4. Make the healthcare team your allies
Encourage children to view the doctors and nurses as their friends and helpers. Avoid painting nurses in a bad light when giving shots or vaccinations, but instead reinforce that these are community helpers that work with us to keep our bodies healthy.
5. Utilize distraction
It's easy for anxiety to build while waiting. Although electronic devices can help, they can also make it difficult for children to immediately transition into the visit once the doctor arrives. Drawing with crayons on the exam table paper is a fun way to get kids to sit and also distract them while waiting. Pinwheels are also good ways to distract young children and help them remember to breathe.
Visiting the doctor can be stressful but incorporating these techniques can help young children build a foundation for a trusting relationship with their healthcare team that will continue for years to come.