Darrick Robles Medical examinations can be unpleasant: the syringe pricks, the dentist’s drill roars – even adults know that. Small children in particular, who are no longer babies, can develop fear reactions before visiting the doctor. It is important to reduce these fears at an early stage so that they do not get out of hand. Luckily, there are things you can do to ease your child’s anxiety and tension.
Why is my child afraid of going to the doctor?
Visits to the doctor are usually not a problem for a baby. Baby’s memory is n’t developed well enough to remember the details of a medical exam. But by the end of the first year of life, memory continues to develop. The child begins to store unpleasant experiences and can therefore develop fears.
“It’s normal for some children to feel excited or anxious before a doctor’s exam,” said Dr. medical Hanns-Michael Burow, pediatrician at Med-Healths. The situation in which one usually goes to the doctor is already exciting. The child may have a stomach ache , fever or toothache and be even more sensitive to what is happening around them. In addition, there is the long time in the waiting room, a tense atmosphere, many strangers and the prospect of an examination, which may hurt.
Every visit to the doctor can be formative. Depending on how the child experiences this situation, it will evaluate it in the future: Was it a bad experience or was it not so bad in the end? Various factors play a role here: not just the pediatrician, but also the practice staff, the practice and, last but not least, the behavior of the parents .
How do I find the right pediatric practice?
The pediatrician is often an important contact person for the parents for many years – also when there are concerns in everyday family life. She or he accompanies the development of the child, carries out vaccinations and early detection examinations. The practice should be well chosen so that a basis of trust can develop.
You should ask yourself the following questions when choosing the practice:
- Does the doctor take the time to address my questions, worries and concerns?
- Am I sufficiently informed about necessary treatments, prescribed medication and possible side effects?
- Does the practice staff treat my child with empathy? Does the doctor explain the examination in a child-friendly way?
- Is the practice child-friendly?
- Can I get an appointment quickly? Do we have to sit in the waiting room for a long time despite an appointment?
- How easy and fast is the practice to reach?
- What are the office hours?
Even if you have already found your pediatric practice: It can always happen that the regular pediatrician is not available when you need her. In these cases, our pediatricians are there for you and your child via video. Even if you are not sure whether a doctor’s visit is really necessary, you can get clarity quickly and easily in the video consultation.
What can I do if my child is afraid?
1. Find the right timing
If your child is tired, you should avoid visiting the doctor during these times. A well-rested child, on the other hand, reacts more calmly to an examination. Also, try to find a time slot when the practice isn’t too crowded. This way you can reduce the annoying waiting time and ensure that your child gets the attention it needs.
2. Talk to the practice team
A warm, friendly atmosphere can make your child feel more comfortable at the practice. If your child is very anxious, you can call the practice before the appointment and let them know. An experienced practice team usually knows how to deal with small anxious patients and can then respond even better to the needs of your child.
3. Be honest and empathetic
Does your child get an injection? Then you shouldn’t say it “doesn’t hurt at all.” Otherwise you risk losing your child’s trust – and then they might be even more scared next time. Rather explain why the syringe can prick a bit and why the vaccination is still important. Reassure your child that you will be with them the whole time and that you will get through this together.
4. Educate your child
Before the doctor’s appointment, tell your child what tests are likely to be done. dr Burow advises also addressing the child’s curiosity. For example, with “children’s books that prepare for the doctor’s visit on a topic-specific and age-appropriate basis. Playing through the visit to the doctor with stuffed animals and their own doctor’s case can show the child that such an examination does not have to be scary and that medicine can even be very exciting.”
5. Reduce anxiety through practice
The check-up appointments are a good opportunity for small children to practice visiting the doctor. Since the child is not acutely ill at these appointments, there is more time for questions and for developing the necessary trust. A visit to the pediatrician via video can also be a great exercise: the child learns that such an examination does not have to hurt and that it can still get medical help. In addition, the video consultation can take place at home, where the child feels safest.
6. Be a good role model
Children have a keen sense of mood. So if you become a bundle of nerves yourself, your child will quickly feel it. Allow enough time to get to the appointment and try to stay relaxed in the waiting room. dr Burow adds: “Of course, parents also have a role model function – they should report positively on their own visits to the doctor.”
7. Reward your child
After the doctor’s visit, you should plan something nice for your child: For example, a trip to the playground or to the ice cream parlor. Although your child may have been fussy during the exam, they’ve overcome their fear – and that should be rewarded.
