Regular pediatric care appointments are a valuable opportunity to ensure your little ones are growing as they should. These checkups also provide your child with potentially life-saving vaccines in their early years, allowing them to thrive as an adult. Even if you know the benefits, convincing your children that health care professionals are there to help and not hurt can be tough. Find out how to help them conquer their fear below.

3 Steps for Combating Childhood Fear of Pediatric Care

1. Show Them What to Expect Beforehand

Many age-appropriate educational resources are available to educate kids about what to expect at a checkup. Cartoons like “Peppa Pig” and books like “The Berenstain Bears Go to the Doctor” are just a couple examples. You can also use role playing to familiarize your child with the pediatric care process. Use a stuffed animal and let your kid play the role of doctor.

2. Provide Distractions During the Visit

Playing a video on your tablet or phone for your little one to watch is another good way to focus their attention on something other than scary needles and the pain of shots. Many family medicine offices also have books on site that you can borrow for this purpose. If you simply hold or hug your child while entertaining them—simultaneously providing comfort and distraction—odds are they will remain calm during the appointment.

3. Reward Their Bravery With a Treat

You want to emphasize that a pediatric care visit is a positive event. Follow up their appointment with a treat, like a small toy or cup of ice cream. Instilling the doctor as a positive force in your child’s life while they are young will ward off future fear of health care appointments.

Sticking with the same medical professional for every visit is another great way to familiarize little ones with their doctor and ease anxiety. Dr. Julie Wilson, Dr. Juliana Shields, Dr. Julie Stewart and Rachel Coleman, PA-C all have a special interest in pediatric care. For reliable pediatric care in Anchorage, AK, look to Hillside Family Medicine. Family owned and operated, this health clinic serves newborns to seniors. Their state-of-the-art facilities allow them to provide a comprehensive range of treatments at affordable rates, including in-house lab work. Visit their website for a full list of their services. For an appointment, call (907) 344-0200.