by Bethany Harvey

Created on: June 09, 2010

A doctor visit is not just an ordinary visit.  You are not going to the park or the zoo.  You are not going to a friend's house to play.  Usually seeing a doctor is out of the ordinary and something that needs to be planned out in advance.To an adult this is not usually a big deal..you go..you see the doctor..you come home.  To a toddler seeing a doctor is a big deal and can be scary every time. Toddlers see things from a different perspective and you need to be prepared.  Below are some tips to help you and your toddler cope with the doctor visit and hopefully make it more pleasant for the both of you.

First ask around to find a doctor that fits your needs.  Do you have a specific problem or concern with your toddler that needs to be addressed?  Or is this just a well child visit or checkup?  Ask friends, family and neighbors where they take their children and who they like.  Do you need a specialist or just a general practitioner or pediatrician?  These are the questions that you need to ask yourself before you book an appointment.  Once you've determined the type of doctor that meets your needs consider the next step.

The next step you need to consider is the time of day for the appointment.  If there is an emergency this choice is not an option.  But if you can consider your child's schedule that is best.  When do they eat?  When do they take a nap?  When is your child in the best mood and happiest during the day?  These all need to be considered before you make the appointment.  Making sure your child is full and happy will ensure a better visit. Also consider if your child is scared of men or more comfortable with women.  Make the appointment when your child is at his best will go a long way in a pleasant visit.  After all this is considered make the appointment for your child.

On the day of the visit I like to tell my child that we are going to the doctors.  This, of course, is a personal decision and one I make for my child as well as me.  I don't like unpleasant surprises and therefore, I feel I need to treat my kids this way too.  If they are old enough to understand you, of course.  I sit them down and tell them where we are going and briefly why.  Again if your child is too young you shouldn't bother.  I ask my child if they have any ideas about it and we talk for a few minutes as to why they are going and that I

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