Doctors and dentists, oh my!
06/01/2009
Believe it or not, going to the doctor can still be a scary experience for your elementary-school-age child. “Kids this age have such a vivid imagination,” says Heather Burrows, M.D., Ph.D., a pediatrician with the University of Michigan Hospitals in Ann Arbor. Their little minds imagine worst-case scenarios with bright lights, cold instruments and pointy objects. How can you, as a parent, calm their fears? Here are four tips to consider:
ROLE-PLAY AT HOME
Pretend to be doctor and patient. For example, play dentist so the child can practice
opening his mouth and having his teeth counted. This gives your child the chance to
articulate any fears such as, “I don’t want to open my mouth because I’m afraid someone is going to poke me,” says Burrows.
READ GOOD BOOKS
Go to the library and check out some materials to read about going to the doctor
because it helps desensitize your child, says Carl Arinoldo, Ph.D., psychologist and author of Essentials of Smart Parenting: Learning the Fine Art of Managing Your Children (Nova Science, 2007). Also, a story’s happy ending shows that going to the doctor isn’t bad.
TALK THINGS OUT
Never lie to your child that she won’t get a shot (it’s possible) or that it won’t hurt (it could). Instead, says Burrows, “Explain that there is special medicine that doctors need to give to make sure kids don’t get sick and that it comes in a shot.” Encourage your child to ask the doctor any questions.
FOCUS ON COMFORT
Bring along a favorite toy, game or coloring books to keep your child’s mind occupied—and anxiety level lowered—while you’re waiting for the doctor.
As long as you approach doctor visits with a little bit of preparation, honesty and planning, a checkup shouldn’t induce any more panic than a trip to the playground.