Going to the doctor or dentist? Are you scared? Well, you should not be because it is really the parents who are scared, and you the child can be strong and help your parents make the visit go all right!
Try these ideas on your parents when they tell you that you’re going to see the medical people.
Don’t get too chatty. When your parents say you are going to see the dentist or the doctor, don’t ask them what for. Don’t get them to explain too much. This is what makes them scared. Talking too much and explaining too much may make them so worried that it will make you worried. Just say it’s okay, and be ready for when you have to leave.
Don't remind your parents that last time you went it hurt; it did not really hurt that much at all. If you had to have an injection, it was – now that you think of it – just a quick prick. Don’t let them get as far as telling you that you are going for a shot, because they will tell you it won’t hurt. You know it does, but it’s not that bad, and remember that they usually get you an ice cream or something else you’ve wanted to make up for it afterwards. Just remind them about the “special.”
Ask your parents to be honest about why you are going. Ask them to tell you briefly. You don’t want to hear your parents telling you something will happen, when in fact it won’t happen – like telling you that you won’t get a shot and then you do!
Your parents will feel much better if you reassure them and comfort them that you will be there for them. They like to know that you feel alright about going to the doctor or dentist. Remind them that you can be brave and you will hold their hand if they would like you to. Talk to your parents about your fears and theirs. When your parents tell you that they know you may be scared, tell them it’s okay because you know they are taking you to see if you are growing and keeping healthy. The doctor may have a chart to show you how tall you are growing.
Sometimes, you will feel like saying you don’t want to go and start getting quite upset; but try not to because you know deep down you will have to go, it is not negotiable; especially if there is an appointment made for you. Tell your parents you understand even though you are not happy about going. Be brave and strong; it helps your parents knowing you will show them how you can cope.
Tell your parents that you may cry. They will understand. Just make sure that they know they are up for giving you a special after the visit, even though they have said something like, “If you cry, you will not get…” Tell your parents you can’t help feeling horrible, but you will be as brave as you can be – then be as brave as you can be. Your parents will be so proud of the way you can handle the situation. Hopefully, the special something is not always a sugary treat, but a fun activity. Fun activities are so much more difficult to get from your parents than a sweet or ice-cream actually. You have some bargaining power here!
The worst thing a parent can do is to threaten you with a return visit to the doctor if you misbehave. The way to make sure they don’t feel they have to say something silly like that is not to misbehave, screaming or ranting and raving. If you handle everything properly, your parents will also be able to handle things well – help them, they need you to.
You should play “Going to the doctor” with your parents sometimes; ask them to read you books about having check-ups and play-act going to the doctor and dentist at home. Together you can pretend to be doctor/patient and listen to your heart and lungs and examine your teeth. They will like that; they will learn a lot with you.
