HEALTHY FAMILY
Is Your Child Afraid
of the Doctor?
Five ways to ease their fears
BY IRENE-MYERS THOMPSON
W Having something
positive to look
forward to after
the appointment
may make them
less anxious
during the visit.

hile children’s reactions to
the doctors can vary depend-
ing on age and temperament,
the doctor’s office can be an unfamiliar,
stressful and scary place for a young
child. During the toddler and preschool
years, healthcare visits are more frequent
with regular well visits and preventative
care such as vaccinations and if illnesses
or injuries hit.

The experience can be stressful for both
the kids and parents, making it difficult for
a youngster to understand why these visits
are important.

Fear of the doctor is an issue that res-
onates with many families. A C.S. Mott
Children’s Hospital national poll surveyed
parents of kids between the ages of 2 to 5
and found that half said their child is afraid
of going to the doctor. Further studies
show that children ages 2 to 5 have most
fear of getting a shot, have stranger anxiety
or have bad memories of a previous illness.

If you are struggling to get your child in
for checkups, you’re not alone. Consider
these five tips for putting their anxiety at
ease—as well as yours.

Prepare your child
for what to expect.

Be clear and talk about what may happen
at their next checkup. For kids, know-
ing what to expect can be a big help, but
avoid making promises that may be bro-
ken during the visit, like whether they
are getting a shot or not. Lay out how
the appointment will go step-by-step by
reading a book or watching a show to help
manage a child’s anxiety.

GETTY IMAGES/TOP: E+/IMGORTHAND;
BOTTOM: MONKEY BUSINESS IMAGES
30 WashingtonFAMILY AUGUST 2019
Build patient-doctor trust.

Although seeing a different doctor from the
child’s normal pediatrician might be inevi-
table, to avoid stranger anxiety, try to see
the same doctor so your child can get to
know him or her over time. If kids are able
to put a face to their doctor, it may make
the experience less scary.

Ensure you’ll be together.

Many children worry they will be separated
from their parent during a doctor’s visit.

Explain to them ahead of time that you’ll
be there the whole time to ease any con-
cerns. And if they have a favorite toy or
stuffed animal that brings them comfort,
bring that along.

Plan a rewarding experience.

Incentivize your child with good behav-
ior at the doctor’s with a treat or a trip
to the park after the exam. Having some-
thing positive to look forward to after the
appointment may make them less anxious
during the visit.

Be calm.

While it is natural to feel nervous or upset
when your child is, he or she likely senses
your energy. It is important to manage your
anxiety in the appropriate way as not to
further heighten their anxiousness. If you
are calm and comfortable, they’re more
likely to mirror those feelings.

Your child may struggle to get over their
fear of the doctor, but these tips may make
the next visit easier. If you’re concerned with
your child’s level of anxiety, talk with their
pediatrician. Creating positive affiliations
with healthcare can help create healthy hab-
its and attitudes toward medical care that
children carry throughout their life. n
Irene-Myers Thompson is the wellness
director for UnitedHealthcare of the
Mid-Atlantic.