Visits to the doctor may seem rather routine to adults, but for children, these visits can be filled with uneasiness and sometimes fear. Children can handle these experiences more easily when they know what to expect. We all like to be told so that we can feel more in control of the situation.

Here are some ways that you can help prepare your child for a routine visit with the doctor or for a planned hospitalization.

Talk about your own positive experiences with medical people.

• Your caring voice lets your child know that doctors and nurses have helped you and your family in the past and that they are kind people.

Talk about what children can expect at the doctor’s office.

• Start by asking what your child remembers from the last doctor’s visit. What does your child expect this time?;
• Talk about procedures;
• Children usually take off their shirts and pants so doctors can see how they’re growing;
• Their height and weight will be measured;
• Their heart will be checked with a stethoscope and their ears with an otoscope (but doctors can’t tell what a person is thinking).

Give your child medical playthings beforehand – and afterwards.

• When children play about things, they have a chance to rehearse their feelings and get ready for that experience. When they play afterwards, they can better manage their feelings about what happened.
  
• For a medical kit:
  • a homemade stethoscope (empty spool on a yarn necklace),
  • a white shirt for a doctor’s jacked,
  • bandages and masking tape.
    
• You might start by being the patient and let your child give you an injection or bandage your arm. Or suggest your child use stuffed animals as the patients.

Find books about going to the doctor.

• Ask a librarian or child care provider for books that could help (including Fred Rogers’ books – Going to the Doctor and Going to the Hospital.)
• Start by looking at the pictures and ask what your child thinks is happening.
• Go through the book again and read the words. Be sure to stop to answer any questions or talk about any comments your child may have.

Plan for the time in the waiting room.

• Let your child know there may be some waiting time.
• Talk about what’s there – chairs, toys, or magazines.
• Let your child know there are bathrooms in a doctor’s office, if people need them;
• Bring a little notebook and pen or pencil for your child to draw or write.
• Take a few little toys that can fit in your purse or bag.