Making Doctor Visits Easier: A Guide for Parents Taking Children to the Doctor

Taking a child to see the doctor can be a stressful experience for both parents and children. Doctor visits are often associated with getting injections or being poked and prodded in unfamiliar ways. This can cause fear and anxiety in children, which makes the visit more difficult for everyone involved. However, there are several things’ parents and foster carers can do to help make these doctor visits less intimidating for children. Today, we will provide tips and advice for UK parents and foster carers on how to make doctor appointments easier and more comfortable for children.

Preparing for the Appointment

One of the best things you can do is prepare the child for what to expect at the upcoming doctor visit. Explain where you will be going, who will be there, and what will likely happen during the
appointment. Give an honest but gentle account of any procedures or examinations that may occur, like getting a vaccination or having their heartbeat listened to. Books and videos designed for this purpose can help illustrate the experience in a child-friendly way. Also, allow the child to bring a comforting item from home, like a stuffed animal or a special blanket.

You can also ask the child if they have any questions about the visit and try to answer them simply. Don’t overwhelm them with too many details all at once. Gradually providing information over
multiple conversations can help them process everything better. If the child seems nervous, provide reassurance that you will be with them the entire time and remind them that doctor visits help keep them healthy.

On the Day of the Visit

Try to schedule appointments when the child is most likely to be calm and well-rested. Hungry or tired children tend to be more irritable and fearful. Give yourself plenty of extra time to get signed in and settled before the appointment begins. You may want to bring activities or snacks to help occupy the child while in the waiting room. Books, coloring supplies, and handheld games can make the wait more bearable.

When meeting the doctor, allow the child to warm up and get comfortable before thorough examinations begin. Encourage the doctor to explain what they are doing in simple terms before
moving forward with a procedure. Give the child praise and encouragement when they demonstrate bravery and cooperation. Take cues from their body language on when they may need a short break.

If they will be getting an injection, see if the child wants you to hold and comfort them. Apply numbing cream ahead of time if needed. Distracting with conversation, books, music, or videos can also help minimise discomfort. Avoid using scare tactics or shame when a child is fearful or upset. Respond with patience, empathy and care.

After the Visit

Make sure to praise the child for their efforts and provide a small treat or reward following the appointment. This positive reinforcement will help with cooperation at the next visit. Ask the child
about their experience and address any lingering concerns they have. If doctor visits continue to cause high anxiety, you may want to pursue counseling or therapy options to overcome the fear.
When fostering with a fostering agency such as Foster Care Associates Scotland, be sure to keep caseworkers updated on how doctor visits are going for a foster child. Any insights you can provide will assist them in making appropriate placements and accessing needed support services.

Doctor and dentist visits can be intimidating experiences for children of all ages. However, parents and foster carers can take numerous steps to reduce fear and anxiety surrounding medical
appointments. While reactions will vary by child, following the tips in this article can help make doctor visits just a little bit easier for children.