Fear of the pediatrician can make even a routine checkup an anxiety-ridden affair for both you and your child. It can be painful to watch your little one experience such strong emotion. However, there are some tips to try and others to avoid that can help your child overcome their fears. Learn how to get started with these do’s and don’ts.

Do:

Prepare before the visit.

Make sure that your child isn’t caught off-guard by the visit. Tell your child where you’re going ahead of time so they can process their feelings. You can also talk about what may happen; however, keep it brief or you may end up fueling their anxiety. You can also prepare by playing doctor with your child before the visit. Use a toy stethoscope and a teddy bear to turn the exam into a game that doesn’t feel so scary.

Build a relationship with your pediatrician.

Rather than switching pediatric doctors throughout your kid’s childhood, build a relationship with a single doctor. This way, the pediatrician can build a relationship and rapport with your child. Knowing who will be at the visit each time will make the entire experience much less stressful for your little one.

Don’t:

Make promises you can’t keep about the visit.

It can be tempting to assure your child that the visit won’t hurt or that they won’t need to get a shot, but you can’t always keep those promises. If you fail to keep your promise, your child won’t trust you to tell the truth about the doctor’s office anymore, which could increase their anxiety about the experience.

Panic about the visit yourself.

It can be hard to keep your cool when you watch your child panicking and feel helpless to do anything about it. You may also have your own anxiety about your baby receiving shots and stressful examinations. However, you have to keep in mind that you’re the parent and your child looks to you for behavioral cues. If you stay calm and collected, your little one may not think there’s too much to worry about.

Keep your little ones in tip-top shape while preventing doctor’s visit anxiety by choosing Pediatrics of Dalton in Dalton, GA. These talented pediatricians and supportive staff are focused on providing the best health care for your child while taking the time to make the visit pleasant, comfortable, and free of anxiety. They work to create a welcoming environment where you can expect compassionate care at every visit. Make an appointment today by calling (706) 278-5373 and visit their website to see a list of their services.