{"id":1160,"date":"2020-07-10T16:16:28","date_gmt":"2020-07-10T16:16:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/ana-hpmd\/?p=1160"},"modified":"2020-07-24T11:10:44","modified_gmt":"2020-07-24T11:10:44","slug":"10-tips-to-help-kids-overcome-their-fear-of-doctors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/ana-hpmd\/10-tips-to-help-kids-overcome-their-fear-of-doctors\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Tips to Help Kids Overcome Their Fear of Doctors"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">At my Miami kids care pediatrics practice, I see a lot of young children who are afraid of doctors. Young children can develop a fear of doctors for a variety of reasons.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">First, even though they\u2019re visiting a<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> friendly <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">pediatric practice, your kids don\u2019t see me and my team very often. We may seem like strangers to your children, and it\u2019s very common for young kids to be afraid of strangers.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Second, many early childhood pediatric visits involve getting shots. Since a lot of kids are afraid of needles, they naturally develop a fear of doctors, too.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Finally, children often come to my pediatric practice when they\u2019re feeling ill, perhaps from the flu or a painful childhood ear infection. Some children associate the unpleasant feeling they have when coming to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/ana-hpmd\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">kids care pediatrics in Miami<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> for sick visits with doctors themselves, and thus are afraid of doctors.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">No matter the reason for your child\u2019s fear of the doctor, you can find relief with the following tips. And if you have an upcoming appointment at our pediatrics office and there\u2019s something we can do to make your child\u2019s visit more welcoming and comfortable, please call at (305) 614-3017 in advance to let us know.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Helping Your Children Overcome Their Fear of Doctors<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">If your child is afraid of doctor visits, my team and I suggest you implement the following 10 strategies to make him or her more comfortable at their next appointment:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Accompany Your Child to the Appointment<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">We know it can be hard, especially when both parents work outside the home, to find time to attend your child\u2019s doctor appointments. Sometimes, a nanny or a family member, like a grandparent, may have more flexibility in their schedules to take your child to appointments, especially last-minute sick visits.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">However, it\u2019s important to remember that as your child\u2019s parent, he or she is most bonded to you. If your son or daughter is afraid of the doctor, make sure to attend all appointments with him or her so you can provide the comfort and reassurance that only you can.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1162 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/ana-hpmd\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2020\/07\/Practice-Going-to-the-Doctor-at-Home.jpg\" alt=\"Practice Going to the Doctor at Home\" width=\"1000\" height=\"666\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/ana-hpmd\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2020\/07\/Practice-Going-to-the-Doctor-at-Home-200x133.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/ana-hpmd\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2020\/07\/Practice-Going-to-the-Doctor-at-Home-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/ana-hpmd\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2020\/07\/Practice-Going-to-the-Doctor-at-Home-400x266.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/ana-hpmd\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2020\/07\/Practice-Going-to-the-Doctor-at-Home-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/ana-hpmd\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2020\/07\/Practice-Going-to-the-Doctor-at-Home-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/ana-hpmd\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2020\/07\/Practice-Going-to-the-Doctor-at-Home-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/ana-hpmd\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2020\/07\/Practice-Going-to-the-Doctor-at-Home.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Practice Going to the Doctor at Home<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Children love role-playing and playing make-believe. What better way to help your child overcome a fear of the doctor than by having a pretend doctor visit at home.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">With a simple doctor\u2019s kit playset, you and your child can practice for doctor\u2019s appointments by playing doctor to each other, or to your child\u2019s favorite stuffed animals. You can even pull your child\u2019s favorite character Band-Aids to patch up owies on each other of stuffed animals. Doing so will help normalize the process of going to the doctor.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Put a Positive Spin on Doctor Appointments<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">It\u2019s common for young children to be afraid of the unknown. If kids don\u2019t understand why it\u2019s important to go to the doctor, they may be confused about why they\u2019re going to the doctor\u2019s office to begin with!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">As far in advance as possible, start talking to your child about his or her upcoming doctor\u2019s appointment, and the importance of it. If it\u2019s a well-child visit, tell your child his or her pediatrician is going to make sure they\u2019re growing healthy and strong. If it\u2019s a sick visit, tell your child his or her pediatrician is going to look at his sore throat or ear infection, and most likely prescribe medicine to make it feel better.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">When kids understand the why behind the what, they feel more empowered and less fearful.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Strategically Schedule Doctor Appointments<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Technically speaking, your child can go to their next well-visit on their birthday. But a doctor\u2019s visit on the date of birth for a child afraid of the doctor is certain to spoil the celebration. It\u2019s better to wait a week or two later so the two events don\u2019t happen simultaneously.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Likewise, you should avoid making doctor\u2019s appointments during times that will throw off your child\u2019s routine. This includes not making doctor\u2019s appointments during nap time, feeding time, or preschool hours.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Stay Within Arm\u2019s Reach During Appointments<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">If your child is fearful of the doctor, it\u2019s best to remain as close to him or her as possible during appointments. I recommend you stay within arm\u2019s reach of your child, especially young toddlers, so you can quickly embrace and comfort him or her in case he or she becomes upset.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Use Your Child\u2019s Favorite Soothing Techniques<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Even children who usually love the doctor don\u2019t like the doctor when it\u2019s time to get a shot. To make <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.who.int\/topics\/immunization\/en\/#:~:text=Immunization%20is%20the%20process%20whereby,against%20subsequent%20infection%20or%20disease.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">immunizations<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> as comfortable as possible you can try things like nursing infants, singing your child\u2019s favorite song, or telling jokes to distract them from the needle.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Bring Your Child\u2019s Favorite Toy or Book<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Sometimes a little comfort from home can help a child who\u2019s afraid of doctors feel more comfortable during appointments. Bringing his or her favorite book, toy, or stuffed animal to play with inside the waiting room can help ease anxiety about the upcoming appointment.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Provide an Incentive for Visiting the Doctor<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Sometimes, you need to reward your child with a carrot. You may provide an incentive for your child by promising to add to his or her stick chart on the fridge at home, rewarding him or her with a trip to the park, or watching a special movie together after a trip to the doctor\u2019s office.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Stay Focused During Doctors Appointments<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">With everything going on in our adult lives, and our phones constantly buzzing, it\u2019s hard to stay focused on the task at hand. Turn your cellphone off during your child\u2019s appointment so you won\u2019t be distracted by phone calls, emails, or text alerts that come through.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1163 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/ana-hpmd\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2020\/07\/Ask-Your-Child-to-Explain-His-or-Her-Concern.jpg\" alt=\"Ask Your Child to Explain His or Her Concern\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/ana-hpmd\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2020\/07\/Ask-Your-Child-to-Explain-His-or-Her-Concern-200x133.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/ana-hpmd\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2020\/07\/Ask-Your-Child-to-Explain-His-or-Her-Concern-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/ana-hpmd\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2020\/07\/Ask-Your-Child-to-Explain-His-or-Her-Concern-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/ana-hpmd\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2020\/07\/Ask-Your-Child-to-Explain-His-or-Her-Concern-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/ana-hpmd\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2020\/07\/Ask-Your-Child-to-Explain-His-or-Her-Concern-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/ana-hpmd\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2020\/07\/Ask-Your-Child-to-Explain-His-or-Her-Concern-800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/ana-hpmd\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2020\/07\/Ask-Your-Child-to-Explain-His-or-Her-Concern.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Ask Your Child to Explain His or Her Concern<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Ask your child why he or she is afraid of the doctor. His or her answer may surprise you. It could be something easy to fix such as your child feeling that the office is too cold, your child not liking what\u2019s playing on the TV in the waiting room, or something else minor that has a simple remedy.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Visit My Kids Care Pediatrics Practice in Miami<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">I\u2019ve been a pediatrician for more than 20 years, and during that time, I\u2019ve learned how to gain the trust of even the most fearful children who\u2019ve come into my practice. I work diligently with parents, caregivers, and my patients to provide a warm, inviting, and welcoming experience for you and your child whether you come to me for a well-check or a sick visit.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">I know that some children have a natural fear of doctors, and I\u2019ve collaborated with colleagues over my years of practice to find the best strategies for putting those anxieties at ease. By listening directly to your child when he or she speaks to me, answering all of his or her questions, and explaining what I\u2019m going to do and what the medical equipment that I\u2019m going to use does before I perform an exam, children are often put at ease.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">I\u2019d love to have the opportunity to care for your child\u2019s medical needs. To make an appointment at my advanced pediatrics practice, call my office today at (305) 614-3017.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>At my Miami kids care pediatrics practice, I see a lot of young children who are afraid of doctors. Young children can develop a fear of doctors for a variety of reasons.\u00a0 First, even though they\u2019re visiting a friendly pediatric practice, your kids don\u2019t see me and my team very often. We may seem like  [&#8230;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":1161,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[3,4,22],"tags":[55,57,56],"class_list":["post-1160","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-health","category-kids","category-pediatrics","tag-advanced-pediatrics","tag-fear-of-doctors","tag-kids-care-pediatrics"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/ana-hpmd\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1160","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/ana-hpmd\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/ana-hpmd\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/ana-hpmd\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/ana-hpmd\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1160"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/ana-hpmd\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1160\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/ana-hpmd\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1161"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/ana-hpmd\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1160"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/ana-hpmd\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1160"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/ana-hpmd\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1160"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}