Doctors’ appointments are essential for the health of your child. They begin when they're newborns and continue in regular increments until they turn 18 – but it can be a scary experience for them if they aren’t prepared.
A child's first check-up is a crucial aspect of their health and wellness, which Dr. Sindu Pillai takes seriously. She's a pediatric specialist, providing well-child, newborn, and sick visits for kids in the Murrietta, California, community.
Small children have a lot of fears, especially about the unknown. Although your child had newborn visits, they probably don't remember them.
As they reach the toddler years, children become more aware of their surroundings. They may develop various fears about a doctor's appointment. There are many worries kids have about going to the doctor, including:
It's normal for your child to feel worried or scared about going to the doctor. The younger they are, the more likely they are to have separation anxiety and fear of a new person, especially a doctor examining them or giving them a shot.
Easing your child into their first appointment is crucial for a smooth experience. But how do you prepare a small child for a potentially scary check-up? Dr. Pillai offers various tips and tricks to ease your child into their first visit, including:
Part of a child's fear is the unknown of what will happen at the appointment. Use age-appropriate terms to explain why they need to go to the doctor, what will happen during the appointment, and the positive outcomes of the doctor's visit.
Use terms like a blood pressure cuff that "hugs" your arm, or they will use a special light to examine your ears, nose, and mouth. Make it easy to understand so your child isn't scared.
Younger children often learn through pretend play and role-playing, which is a great way to prepare them for the upcoming appointment. Use a stuffed animal or doll to explain what will happen at the appointment to help ease anxiety or fear.
If your child has a favorite stuffed animal or blanket, allow them to bring it to the appointment. A comfort item is a great way to give them peace of mind about seeing the doctor. Knowing they can have it will make the experience less stressful.
Part of easing your child's mind is explaining the positive aspects of a doctor's appointment. For example, you can tell them it's necessary to grow big and strong, or they're making sure your body is healthy so you can play.
There are numerous books available that explain a doctor's appointment in a child-friendly manner. Before the day of the exam, focus on reading books about the doctor to prepare your child for what to expect, so there are no surprises.
Your child will likely have some fears about the check-up, and it's critical to reassure them about these fears. It's essential to reassure them that you'll be there during the entire appointment and won't let anything happen to them.
It's easy to have some anxiety about taking your child to the doctor, but they can pick up on that. Be sure to stay positive about the upcoming experience by filling their head with positive remarks while staying calm before and during the exam.
Contact our Murrieta, California, office today to schedule a well-child visit with Dr. Pillai, or click here to request a consultation on our website.
