It’s Time for My Checkup!
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Whether your child feels under the weather or needs a regular check-up, going to the doctor helps keep her healthy so she can learn and play. Here are a few simple tips to help comfort and reassure your child. A visit to the doctor doesn’t have to be stressful — it can be educational instead!
Pretend Doctor
Being “in charge” of a doctor’s exam can help your child feel more comfortable about the idea of going to the doctor. Encourage him to pretend he’s the doctor with you or one of his stuffed animals. Let him feel and listen to your heartbeat, and pretend to look into your ears. Ask him to look into your mouth while you say, “Ahhhhh.” Whose turn is it now?
Talk Together: How would you check someone’s heartbeat?
Where Are We Going? Talk with your child about going to the doctor and let her know what to expect. Try saying, “The doctor is someone who helps us stay healthy so we can learn and play. The doctor also helps us get better if we don’t feel well. She will check your ears, mouth, chest, and tummy to make sure you are healthy and strong. I’ll be there with you when the doctor is doing the check-up.”
Watch Together:
Bethany Visits The Doctor Talk Together:
Why do you go to the doctor when you’re not feeling sick? The Waiting Room Bring along fun things both of you can do while waiting at the doctor’s office. Reading a book, playing a game, or singing a favorite song can make the wait feel shorter. You could also bring a special teddy bear or doll for your child to hug. Having something to do helps both of you stay calm.
Watch Together:
Ladybugs' Picnic Talk Together:
What other songs can we sing when we’re waiting for the doctor? Getting Comfortable Hold your child’s hand in the exam room, or ask the doctor to let your child sit on your lap. Put your arms around him so he feels more secure. During the examination, help him relax by making up funny jokes or stories together. Let the doctor know if your child is a little nervous, and encourage the doctor to explain what is happening.
My Choice Help your child feel more in control by giving her choices. For example, if your child needs to have a blood test, tell her that she needs to hold still, but she can say “Ouch,” hold your hand, say a silly rhyme together, or cry if she needs to. Afterward, she can pick out a bandage. Watch Together:
The Rhyme Time Song Talk Together:
What other silly rhymes can you make up?
“To prepare my daughter, Molly, for her 3-year-old checkup we role-played using her doctor kit. I played the part of the sick patient, moaning and groaning on the couch. She was the doctor, listening to my heart with a stethoscope.”
—Nina Riccio
