Do you remember those days when your parent or guardian had to take you to the hospital for a flu shot or overall wellness program? Chances are you still shudder the thought of seeing a doctor no matter how resilient you may be. Now try imagining how your child feels each time you tell them about their next doctor’s visit. From meltdowns to tantrums, scheduling an appointment with a San Pedro pediatrics doctor for your child can be challenging at first. Fortunately, the Harbor Community Health Centers team readily welcomes anyone in your situation and is ready to offer the following tips:
1.Tell your child about it, but do not obsess over it
The first thing that comes to your child’s mind whenever they discover that they are about to see a doctor is a person dressed in a lab coat with a stethoscope around their neck, ready to administer injections. It is every parent’s nightmare to disclose such a piece of information.
While it may be tempting to lie or talk about it, discussing it over and over might do little to alleviate their fears. Surprising them may also cause distrust in you in the future. You can start by sharing the benefits of seeing a doctor with them regardless of whatever procedures or exams they are about to undergo.
2.Role-playing can help
Honesty is always the best policy when it comes to preparing your child for a pediatric appointment. One way to enlighten them about medicine is through role-playing. Introducing a topic as sensitive as healthcare through medical play can help them realize that it is never that serious. Start by buying a doll and demonstrate how a doctor or nurse performs exams and treats a patient. If you can get stethoscopes or pulse readers in toy form, your role-play scenario will be better.
3.Get distraction tools
You already know that a child’s attention span shifts after five minutes, so waiting can induce anxiety or stress. While pediatric facilities are colored with toys to keep kids busy as they wait for their turn with their doctor, it does not hurt to bring along their favorite stuffed animal or toy. In all that you do, ensure your child remains distracted from the wails of other kids getting injections.
4.Do not make any promises
As parents, all you want is for your kid to be in good health. Sometimes, that may compel you to make promises that you have no power of keeping. If you know your child will get injected, avoid telling them that it will be painless. Instead, inform them that it will hurt, but the pain will disappear in a few seconds. Being honest instills trust from your child, preventing them from adopting a bad attitude towards their doctor.
Schedule an appointment with a pediatrician today
While you may hate taking your child to their doctor, preparing them ahead of their visit can help them better understand that healthcare professionals are there to safeguard their health. It also makes their future visits less stressful for you and your child. Schedule a consultation with your pediatrician today to determine what type of medical services your child can get.