Firefly Blog

 No one likes going to the doctors office, especially not children. As they get older they understand more and it’s harder to reason with them. They associate doctor’s office with something painful like a shot or something cold and not what they consider a must. It’s even harder for you to explain things to your child if the child is with a cold, fiver and not feeling well.

 But if you’re taking your child to a well check visit here is a little list how to ease your child’s and your time at the doctors office.

 Always choose a “good” time. If possible go after a nap, when your child is well rested. Also choose the time when the doctor’s office is less crowded.

 Try to play it down with your child. Sometimes is much better, with small children not to make a big deal out of doctor’s and shots. Warn your child just before shot that there will be a little sting, show where, and that it will all be over in a second. Be sure to fallow up with a cuddle, favorite toy, drink of water or juice, or favorite snack.

 Sometimes it helps to practise with toys. Start a day or two earlier, give with your child exams to the stuffed animals or dolls. Show your child that nothing bad happens to the toys, and that you’ll be there the whole time.

 It also helps if you bring with you a favorite toy, so that doctor can check the toy first than your child.

 Tell the child what to expect. If the child is older explain the benefits of the shot’s. For smaller children explain using toys. Explain how a little Bunnie is getting a shot so he won’t get sick, so that your child needs one too.

 Try to help your child see the doctor’s office as a friendly place. Don’t come too early for your appointment, the chances are you’ll wait a little or long in a waiting room. Your child may get overwhelmed, tired, hungry which will turn out into unpleasant experience for both of you. Always expect delays, so come prepared, bring favorite toy or a book. Coloring books work well too.

 Give your child praise for well behavior and for being so brave. Make your child feel important and grownup. Distraction and revards work well as well and there’s nothing wrong with that. Offer your child a toy she/he didn’t see and play for a while, or something small and new. This will distract them and make the time easier. Give a shiny sticker, or those cool Band-Aids, with favorite characters on them. Take them to ice-cream, or milkshake afterwards, if the child is old enough. They’ll have something to look forward to.

 Never rush your child after a doctor’s visit or especially after shots. Dress them or help them dress slowly. Talk to them, let them cry it out. Even though they were so good and brave doing the shot and in front of the doctor, that doesn’t mean they don’t need to express themselves and ease the pain.

 There is a solution at the doctors offices for the shots. You can ask the doctor for good numbing creams to apply to your child before shots. It will make things even easier for your child as well as for you.

Tags: child, doctor, kids, office, shot, toy, visit