Fredericksburg Parent

www.FredericksburgParent.NET 33 The average child will have nine well visits in their fi rst two years of life and at least one checkup every year a er. For kids who tend to worry and even fear going to the doctor, this can be overwhelming. There are a few things parents can do to calm the fears of kids who have an upcoming checkup. Discuss What Will Happen Prior to the appointment talk to your child about what to expect. Be open and honest about what will happen at the appointment and why. "We talk about everything that may happen, good and scary." says Sara Sinani, mom of three boys. "I feel it helps them prepare emo onally and keeps the image of the doctor as a 'helper' rather than someone to be feared." A er sharing what to expect at the appointment, ask your child if they have any ques ons or concerns. Be honest and tell the truth so they know what to expect, even if it is something unpleasant, like shots. "We encourage our kids to ask us, the nurses, or doctors in order to get the info they need to feel comfortable" says Sinani. The more infor- ma on your child has the more comfortable they will feel when the day of the check-up arrives. Role Play Playing doctor is not only fun for kids but it's also a great way to get them- selves more comfortable with the idea of visi ng the doctor. Tara Sayers, a school nurse and mom of two says "I always buy kids 'doctor kits' for their fi rst birthdays." She also suggests le ng them touch the equipment themselves prior to someone else using it on them. Becky Asher, mom of triplet boys, suggests checking out library books about visi ng the doctor or watching children's videos like Daniel Tiger or Doc McStuffi ns that help kids learn what to expect from a doctor visit. Role playing helps kids act out their fears and concerns as well as become more comfortable with new situa ons. Come Prepared When the day of the check-up arrives try to be as prepared as possible. Pack items that will entertain your child if they have to wait such as books, small toys, coloring books and crayons, or a tablet if wi-fi is available at the doctor's offi ce. Include any comfort items that may help your child if he is nervous or upset and a cup of water. Check with the offi ce to see if snacks are allowed before bringing one. Some offi ces to do not allow snacks due to risk of allergies in other pa ents. You might also consider bring- ing pain medica on, like Tylenol, to give a er shots are administered. It's best to wait un- l a er the visit because an accurate temperature must be recorded prior to vaccines and painkillers mask a fever if your child has one. It's also important for the parent to prepare themselves to be a calm and suppor ve through the check-up. Children can sense our fears and nervousness. When mom and dad are calm and comfortable, the child will most likely feel the same way. Plan a reward Prior to the visit, set up a reward, big or small, for your child and let them know what to expect. Having something to look forward to a er the check-up can make even a reluctant child more willing to cooperate during their me with the doc- tor. Choose something that will mo vate your child. Some ideas could be a treat like ice cream, a candy bar, or going out for lunch or a trip to the the park, pool, or an opportu- nity to invite a friend over to play. Some parents may also decide to purchase a small toy or book their child has had their eye on. Whatever you decide to choose as a reward, explain to your child what it will be and how they will earn it. A er the visit, tell them you are proud of them for their bravery and talk about how they felt during the appointment. When a child knows they can talk about their feelings honestly, they are usually more likely to discuss other fears in the future. Tips for Tear-Free Check-Ups WRITTEN BY BY SARAH LYONS 4

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