by Tracy Wilson

Created on: August 10, 2010

Visits to the doctor are inevitable in the first few years of a child’s life.  From immunisations in the first year, to childhood ailments in the toddler years, visiting the doctor need not be a stressful time for either of you, if you have prepared your toddler beforehand. 

Before you have the need to be seen by the doctor, there are a number of things you can do to prepare your toddler for any future visits.

ROLE PLAY

Take time to role-play with your little one.  There are many toy doctor’s kits for sale, which provide hours of entertainment for your child as well as familiarising him with ‘what happens’ within a doctor’s surgery.  Treat the role-playing as the wonderful game that it is.  Explain what the stethoscope and thermometer, etc. are used for, and then encourage him to ‘play doctor’ by listening to your heart, taking your temperature and so forth.  It is important to remember to reverse roles so that your toddler can familiarise himself with the feeling of being a patient and having various examinations made on his own body.  Make a game of having your toddler open his mouth and say, ‘Aaaah’, rewarding him with big hugs and laughs.  This way he will be more likely to co-operative in the doctor's room when past reactions have been favourable. 

BOOKS

There are excellent children’s booksavailable that feature doctors.  Books are an excellent way for your child to understand what happens when visiting the doctor.

BE A GOOD ROLE MODEL

When you visit the doctor yourself, take your child with you so that he can realise that everybody goes to the doctor sometimes, and that it is nothing to be scared of.   Be a good role model and talk about the experience as being extremely positive, and avoid showing any discomfort during the doctor’s examination.  Be confident during your own visit, and this will boost your toddler’s confidence when he has to visit the doctor.

When it is time for your toddler to actually make the all important doctor’s visit, there are a few things you can do to make the trip easier.

GIVE FOREWARNING

If possible, do not spring it on him as you walk into the doctor’s surgery.  Let him know beforehand that he will be going – so that the doctor ‘can make him better’.  Whether it is hours or days, you can build up the experience into something to look forward to instead

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