HOW TO HELP YOUR CHILD OVERCOME THEIR FEAR

OF THE DOCTOR

ALEXANDER GLADNEY

INTRODUCE THEM TO THE DOCTOR

Take your child to meet the doctor before their appointment.

Bring your child to an older sibling's appointment or take them

to your own so they become comfortable in this environment.

This will demonstrate that you trust your doctor and are

comfortable around them.

ROLE PLAYPurchase medical-themed toys you'd see in a doctor's office

like a stethoscope and blood pressure cuff.

Dress up and play doctor with your child at home.

This will normalize the process for your child and make them

feel more comfortable around these items. 

TELL THEM WHAT TO EXPECTEase their anxiety by explaining what will happen

during the appointment in great detail.

For example, tell them that the stethoscope is going to

feel cold, or that they will have to stand on a scale

alone.

Call ahead to find out if your child's appointment will

involve shots and, if so, prepare them for this.

DON'T LIEThe worst thing a parent can do is tell their child

that their shot will not hurt when it will.

 Try explaining to your child that while the shot will

hurt, the pain will not last and getting the shot will

help them stay healthy and strong. 

BE ENCOURAGINGBefore you even leave for your child’s

appointment, express your confidence in

them and encourage them to be brave

during their visit.

Speak positively about seeing the doctor.

Praise your child's good behavior during

the appointment.

If they act out at all, encourage them to

behave even better for their next vist.

THANK YOU!

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