A son or daughter’s visit to the doctor’s office can produce nearly as much anxiety for a concerned parent as it does for the child.  Just like many adults, children have fears about the unknown, about the severity of their illnesses and even about the personality of the doctor.

By taking the time to prepare for the doctor’s visit, you not only can alleviate these fears, but also ensure your child begins the important process of developing a trusting relationship with his or her physician. The following are tips to ensure your child’s trip to the doctor is positive.

• Explain the reason for the doctor’s visit. Make sure your child understands that the doctor’s visit is not a punishment for undesirable behavior.
  
• Tell your child what to expect. It can be helpful to bring the child along when you or an older sibling visits the doctor. You also might try scheduling a ‘get-to-know you’ visit, so your child can spend some time with the doctor when there is no threat of a shot or anything else that might be unpleasant.
  
• Ask your child to help you prepare information and questions to ask the doctor.
  
• Role-play with your child. Take turns letting him or her play both the doctor and the patient. There are some great doctors’ kits you can let your child play with, and you’ll be surprised at the questions or concerns you’ll uncover while role-playing.
  
• Read a book or watch a video about going to the doctor.
  
• Be honest. Truthful but gentle is usually a good rule. Kids will ask for about as much information as they can handle, so you don’t have to volunteer an enormous amount. However, never lie about what’s going to happen at the office or your child will never trust the doctor.

Choosing the right doctor is also important.  It’s important that the doctor tries to communicate in kids’ terms, and stay eye-to-eye with kids so they won’t be as intimidated. If you’re nice to kids and treat them as though you are having a good time, they’ll want to come back.

Dr. Pamela Pilger recently joined the Alliance Primary Care office at 10475 Reading Road, Suite 209, in Evendale. She attended medical school at the University of Cincinnati Medical School and completed her residency at Children’s Hospital Medical Center. Dr. Pilger now is accepting new patients.