728x90
my iParenting
From Our Sponsors
e-newsletters
Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters

new terms of use
new privacy policy
award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Home › Articles › Nutrition and Health › White Coat Anxiety

White Coat Anxiety

9 Ways to Make Doctor's Visits Less Traumatic

By Nancy Vondrak

Pages:  1  2  3  

  • Be honest about what is going to happen at the doctor appointment. The old adage, "Honesty is the best policy," holds true even with a 1- or 2-year-old. Rowinski has found this to be especially true when her children have asked about shots. "I tell them that yes, the shot will hurt, but it will be over soon," she says. "It only hurts for a few minutes."

    According to Dr. Griffin, "With some children it's best not to tell them what will happen at the appointment unless they ask." However he stresses, "If they ask, tell them the truth."

  • Take your toddler for his well checkups on a regular basis. Seeing the doctor when he is not sick will help him to feel comfortable in the doctor's office. "I also schedule all appointments with the same pediatrician in our practice," says one parent. "This way, my child sees the same doctor all the time and they really get to know each other." An exception to this rule is if the child is sick and has to see whatever pediatrician is available.

  • Set a good example for your child by letting him see that you take care of your health. One way to do this is to allow your toddler to accompany you to a medical appointment. Although this may not be feasible if you are going for your yearly OB/GYN exam or a special procedure, your regular medical checkup may be a fun way to expose your child to the concept that everyone needs to visit his or her doctor to stay healthy. Rowinski has found it helpful to take her toddler when she gets her yearly flu shot. "It helps her to see that Mommy gets shots sometimes, too," she says.
    • Pages:  1  2  3  


    Want to see more?