How to Ease the Fear of a Child Going to the Doctor

Going to the doctor can be particularly terrifying to children. Children dread the doctor for a variety of reasons, including fear of pain during an injection, worries about being separated from their parents during the examination or anxiety over the possibility of surgery, hospitalization or even death, according to the KidsHealth website. Helping to alleviate your child's fear can make the necessity of visiting the doctor a much less traumatic experience.

Things You'll Need

  • Toy doctor's kit
  • Doll or stuffed animal

Instructions

    • 1

      Validate your child's anxiety about going to the doctor. Don't dismiss his fears by saying "There's no reason to be afraid," or "You're acting like a baby" or "Stop crying," which might cause you to appear less caring and credible, according to Dr. Donald Shifrin, clinical professor of pediatrics at the University of Washington School of Medicine, as cited at Parents.com. Support your child's understandable concerns by saying, "I don't like going to the doctor either, but he helps me stay healthy and strong." Tell him you agree that going to the doctor isn't a pleasant experience, but you'll be with him throughout the entire ordeal and help him get through it.

    • 2

      Explain the purpose of the doctor's visit to your child, advises KidsHealth. Emphasize that she didn't do anything wrong and grownups often need to see doctors, just like children do. Reassure her that the doctor is her friend and he's going to help her become well. If others in your family share the same health condition as your child, let her know that she's in good company. You might say, "Asthma tends to run in families. Your grandmother also has asthma and her doctor helped her breathe easier. Your doctor is going to help you feel better, too." Learning that others in the family have been through a similar experience can help your tot feel less anxious about visiting the doctor.

    • 3

      Let your child know ahead of time about procedures that will occur during the doctor's visit to help prepare her. Buy a toy doctor kit and conduct a make-believe examination on a stuffed animal or doll to illustrate how the doctor might listen to her heartbeat, examine her throat, take her blood pressure or give her an injection. Answer honestly if your tot asks whether a certain procedure is going to hurt so you don't lose credibility with her. You might say, "It might hurt for a few seconds, but I'll be there to hold your hand." Read children's books together that illustrate what happens during doctor visits, such as "What to Expect When You Go to the Doctor" by Heidi Murkoff, recommends the Parents website.

    • 4

      Provide your child with something positive to look forward to after the dreaded doctor's visit, which will help shift his focus from fear to excitement over the promised reward. You might say, "For being such a brave little boy, let's do something fun after the doctor visit." Allow him to pick what the reward should be, such as getting ice cream, visiting a playground or going to a movie. Avoid making the reward contingent on good behavior -- it's for his bravery on getting through an unpleasant experience, no matter how he behaved. Offer him praise, hugs and kisses afterward, which will give him confidence for dealing with future doctor visits. You might say, "I'm so proud of how courageous you were."

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