This is a guest post by Michelle Friedman, a mom, freelance writer, and marketer at Medical Scrubs Collection.
I walk into the bright glare of the waiting room, hanging onto coats and mittens, while handing out snacks and chasing after my toddler. I catch a whiff of hand sanitizer—and the sounds of wailing babies.
We’ve all been there. Well visits at the pediatrician are crucial for checking on your kids’ progress and getting them up-to-date on their shots, but not so great on the nerves. After a few disastrous experiences, I was forced to do a little research on how to make sure future well visits were more educational and less exasperating. Here’s what I’ve learned.
1. Come prepared with your own entertainment.
Different pediatricians have varying policies about the forms of entertainment they keep in their waiting rooms, due to a concern about spreading germs. Some doctors only have books or movies, while others have full entertainment stations. Regardless of what’s offered, bring along age-appropriate entertainment for your children to keep them busy during the inevitable wait. Books, small card games, and coloring books are all great ways to keep the kids busy. Educational apps that are kept as a treat just for the doctor’s office can keep their minds busy rather than their legs—because, let’s face it, an office full of sick kids are one of the last places we want our kids to “explore.”
2. Write down questions in advance.
In the days leading up to my kids’ well visits I remember all the little things I want to ask the doctor, but once he’s in the room and I’m trying to keep them from jumping off the exam table, my mind goes blank. And before I know it the nurse is on her way with the shots, and the doctor is gone. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends keeping a notepad dedicated for doctor’s office visits where you jot down questions as they come to you—seeing them in print really helps. You can bring up your questions at the beginning of the visit, or after the doctor is done examining your child. Check your list to make sure that all your questions were answered, and write down any instructions given.
3. Prepare the patient.
Kids, like adults, are afraid of the unknown. Before the well visit prepare your child by explaining the order of events and what will happen at the visit. (It might be tempting to “not worry” them with details beforehand, but that can lead to even more fear and distrust the next go-round.) Emphasize that the doctor and nurses care about them, and want them to feel well. KidsHealth.org offers a great resource that gives an in-depth look at the psychology behind children’s fears when visiting the doctor, and how to allay them. I have found that teaching my young son his doctors’ names helps alleviate the anxiety, by giving more of a personal feel to their caretakers. I also don’t cover up the truth: If he will be getting shots, I let him know. We discuss how the shot will only feel like a pinch for a moment. With a child who is really anxious, you can teach coping skills with a stress ball, which you can bring with you on the big day. You can also prepare young patients by playing doctor at home with dress up clothes and toy instruments. The role play will help familiarize your child with the concept, and might even make the whole process a little more fun.
4. Keep your cool.
I’ve learned that perhaps the most important thing that you can do for your child at a doctors visit is to be a calming force. Children are great at picking up vibes from their caregivers, and the slightest hint of tension will translate into anxiety and tantrums. Be prepared for the inevitable tears, and enjoy the opportunity to mark your children’s milestones.
Now that I’ve committed to some advance planning, my children’s well visits have become mostly pleasant experiences where they get a chance to form relationships with their doctor. And when they’re not? I’m learning to deal a little better with the chaos myself.
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