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Many people — including adults — don't like going to the doctor. But for kids, the stress and anxiety of a simple routine pediatric appointment can be particularly heightened. Fortunately, there are steps parents can take to help make wellness visits go as smoothly as possible.
With more than 20 years of experience offering high-quality pediatric care and our status as the largest private pediatric practice in Northeastern Florida, Angel Kids Pediatrics provides comprehensive medical and behavioral health care for babies, children, and adolescents.
From 10 offices located throughout Jacksonville, Amelia Island, and Saint Johns, our expert providers are here to meet all of your child’s health needs. Read on to learn how you can ease your child’s fear of the doctor ahead of a routine wellness checkup.
Common reasons kids fear the doctor
There are a number of reasons why children might be afraid of going to the doctor. They might fear the unknown, be nervous about an unfamiliar adult if they don’t know their doctor well, or worry about being separated from their parent or caregiver.
They might also worry about experiencing pain especially if they know (or simply believe) they’re due for a vaccine or shot.
Tips for a stress-free wellness visit
The good news is there are things you can do to help prepare your child for a visit to the doctor.
Consider scheduling
Think about your child’s meal and sleep schedule, as well as what’s typically “a good time of day” for them, and try to book the doctor's appointment within that window. For some kids, this may be the morning; for others, it might be later in the day.
Help them know what to expect
Making sure your child knows what to expect at their upcoming appointment can help calm some anxiety. For younger kids this could mean reading books, watching a TV show, or playing with a toy doctor kit. With older children and young adolescents, rationally talking through what they might expect can usually help calm any fears.
Give advance warning — and tell the truth
Never pop a “surprise” doctor’s visit on a child. Instead, be sure to give them some time to get used to the idea. The amount of advance notice will depend on your child’s age and disposition, and could be anywhere from a week in advance to the morning of the appointment day.
Similarly, never lie to your child about what will happen at the appointment. Even if they’re due for a vaccination, they should be told the truth in a calm manner that stresses the importance of the injection as well as how quick it is — and how the fear of the shot is usually far greater than any brief discomfort it may cause.
Develop a relationship
When possible, try to see the same pediatrician so your child can begin to form a relationship and no longer think of them as a stranger. Becoming familiar with the nurses and other support staff can help, too.
Bring “friendly” reinforcements
Young children may appreciate bringing a stuffed animal or favorite toy to help them feel more comfortable and secure while they’re in the exam room. Younger children can also stay next to you or sit on your lap during much of the exam itself.
Provide choices
While some things, like recommended vaccines, are non-negotiable during a wellness visit, children can be given some sense of control by allowing them to make certain choices — such as what chair to sit in, or which arm should receive a shot.
Consider a treat afterwards
Plan something fun to do after your child’s doctor visit to give them something to look forward to. This could be as simple as a special lunch or trip to the playground.
Be positive
Kids can pick up on a parent’s feelings of anxiety or worry, so try to be as relaxed as possible. Remind your child of the good things doctors do for them, like keeping them healthy. After the appointment, talk about the positive parts, like how nice their doctor was, or how they got a sticker afterward.
A positive experience for your child
Whether it’s time for your child’s next well visit appointment or they’re in need of an acute sick visit, our Angel Kids Pediatrics team does everything we can to help make their experience as positive as possible. Call or click online to schedule a visit at your nearest office in Jacksonville, Amelia Island, or Saint Johns, Florida, today.