It’s normal for children to feel anxious about visiting the doctor. Whether it’s a fear of shots, unfamiliar faces, or not knowing what to expect, checkups can be stressful for little ones — and parents.
Here at Select Family Practice and Urgent Care in Raleigh, North Carolina, our team prioritizes the comfort of our youngest patients.
Here are seven strategies to ease a child’s fears and build trust in the process.
Don’t wait until you walk into the exam room to explain what’s happening. Instead, talk to your child a few days before the appointment.
Use simple, age-appropriate language and be honest. You might say, “The doctor is going to check how strong and healthy your body is.”
Avoid saying things like, “It won’t hurt,” as this can backfire if your child needs a shot or test.
If they’re afraid because they don’t know what happens during a checkup, explain what a checkup involves.
If they’re afraid because they don’t want a shot, acknowledge their feelings, let them know it might sting for a moment, and reassure them that it goes quickly and helps keep them healthy.
Children learn through play. It can help them work through challenging situations and complex emotions.
Set up a pretend doctor’s office with stuffed animals or dolls and walk your child through a mock exam. Let them take turns being the doctor and the patient. Use a toy stethoscope or flashlight to check a doll’s eyes, ears, and heartbeat.
That can make the actual visit feel more familiar and less intimidating.
Let your child bring a favorite toy, blanket, or book to the appointment. Familiar objects offer a sense of security. Also, plan a small reward after the visit, such as a trip to the park or extra storytime that night. That gives your child something to look forward to after the exam.
Tip: If you and your child played doctor’s office at home, they may want to bring the stuffed animal or doll they used at home to their visit.
Children often take emotional cues from their parents. If you seem stressed or anxious, your child is more likely to feel the same.
Speak in a reassuring tone. Praise your child for being brave, even if they cry. Saying something like, “You did a great job using your voice to tell the doctor how you felt,” helps them feel in control and proud.
Give your child choices when you can. Making small decisions, such as picking out what shirt they want to wear to the checkup, helps your child feel more empowered and less helpless during the appointment.
Our team at Select Family Practice and Urgent Care has experience working with children. Let us know if your child is nervous — we can adjust our approach and take extra time to explain what we’re doing in a kid-friendly way.
After the checkup, talk to your child about what went well. If there were tears or tough moments, acknowledge them, but focus on the positives.
Saying something like, “You were scared, but you did it!” helps your child feel capable and more confident for the next visit.
If you have questions or need to schedule your child’s next wellness visit, call us at 919-676-0202 or request an appointment online today.
