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Going to the doctor may not be an enjoyable experience for your child, but it shouldn't be something that he dreads. The key is to prepare him well in advance for what will happen.

At some point, it is highly probable that you will have to take your child to see a doctor, whether that means going to the local doctor practice or a hospital outpatients department. You may find that you feel particularly anxious when your child is the patient, but it's important that you don't transfer your own fears to him.

 

Finding the right doctor

Some doctors are excellent at helping children to feel relaxed, but others relate better to adults. Often this is simply because they are busy and don't have time for the kind of small talk that helps to put children at ease. However, if your doctor seems insensitive to the needs of your child, you may want to consider using a different doctor. You could ask friends and neighbours to recommend a doctor  who is good with children. Alternatively, your health visitor should be able to advise you.

 

The waiting game

One of the worst aspects of taking a child to the doctor is the long wait you may have to face. To avoid this, try to arrange an appointment either at the beginning or end of surgery. Receptionists are usually sympathetic to the fact that the patient is a small child and do their best to be helpful.

 

However, if that isn't possible, you will have the chore of keeping your child quiet in a roomful of people who don't want a noisy child disturbing the peace. Some surgeries and medical centers make a real effort to cater for children by providing a play area with books and construction toys, but others may have just a selection of very old magazines. If yours is the latter, make sure you take some favorite toys and books and any comforter along with you.

 

It's a good idea to dress your child in clothes that are easy to take off, not just because it will make the doctor's examination easier, but to stop him from becoming too hot in an over-warm waiting room. If you have older children, try to arrange for them to be looked after by a friend or relative rather than taking them, too, as this may make the visit even more stressful.

 

Meeting the doctor

 

A young child may feel anxious about going to see the doctor, but you can offer reassurance in the following ways:

 

1. Make it clear that you will be with your child throughout the doctor's consultation and will not leave him even for a moment. 

2. While you explain the problem, sit your child on your knee facing the doctor so that he feels involved in the conversation. 

3. If the doctor asks your child questions, give him time to give his own answers rather than responding for him. 

4. If your child has to lie on the bed to be examined by the doctor, stand close by, holding his hand or stroking his head to soothe him.

 

Being honest

While you do not wish to say anything that may frighten your child, it's equally important that you don't mislead him about the purpose of a visit to the doctor. If he is going to have an injection and asks if the needle will hurt him, it pays to be honest and agree that he will feel the prick but only momentarily. Follow this up quickly by promising him that he can have a treat immediately afterwards. This treat should not be conditional on his being a brave boy; let him know that it is all right for him to cry when he is hurt.

 

Playing doctor

It's important that your child understands that the doctor is a kind, caring person who is there to help him feel better or prevent him from becoming sick. Role-play with dolls or teddies is invaluable in helping children come to terms with their fears of doctors and hospitals.

 

For an older child, you might also invest in a special doll that, when taken apart, reveals the organs of the body. As well as being fascinating and educational, it will help to familiarize your child with his anatomy and make it easier for him to tell you and the doctor where he feels pain.

 

Fighting the fear

Some children may need the help of a psychologist to overcome fear of the doctor.  Seek advice if:

 

•  He becomes distressed at the mention of the doctor's name.
•  He denies that he is feeling unwell even when it's clear to you that he's poorly.
• He becomes panic stricken if you are just passing by the surgery on your way to somewhere else.
•  He is also fearful of nurses, dentists, even hairdressers.

 

For  More  Information:  Please  consult  your  physician  on  your  next  visit.