After a particularly heinous doctor visit, I realized my toddler has got to get some new well-visit strategies. As in, he's got to stop kicking the doctor as I hold his arms and head so she can look in his mouth/ear/nose. THAT behavior is no longer cute.
Apparently I'm not alone, as misbehavior at the pediatrician's office is a frequent topic on parenting message boards. Fear of the doctor is common for the 1- to 2-year-old crowd, and I'm glad to know my son isn't the only big screamer in the lobby. However, we can't keep up this kind of intensity, as I fear he may get written up on assault charges.
I've dug up a few strategies that other toddler parents swear work in the doc's office. You can bet I'll be testing them out at his two-year appointment.
Appointment Time Can Make or Break 'Em
If you're not in an emergency situation, always ask for the first appointment of the day. That way you won't have an antsy toddler hanging out in the waiting room working himself into a lather. Just like my kid does.
New Toys
Apparently with some kids, you need to treat the doctor's office as you would a cross-country flight. According to this new study about the importance of play with kids, bringing along new toys to the doctor's office will help release your toddler's stress. No word on if it will help yours.
Books, Books, Books!
There are a lot of kid books that deal with doctor visits, presumably to take the mystery out of the visit. From Biscuit to the Berenstain Bears, there's a "look, it's a stethoscope!" book for your anxious little one. Even better if your doctor actually behaves like a sweet, patient doctor in a children's book.
Remember It's a Phase
Toddlers are kind of the worst when it comes to fearing doctors. Doctors, strangers, barbers ... really anybody. But know that in six months to a year, you'll have a chill pre-schooler on your hands. And you'll have big kid problems on your hands.
How do you keep your toddler calm in the doctor's office?
Image via Digital Sextant/Flickr
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Comments 23
I encourage my children to protect themselves. I don't ask them to act out at the doctor's office but if they're scared and they don't want to be touched then it is a natural reaction to fight. I calmly talk to them, I tell them what the doctor will be doing next, etc. Of course, my baby sees a doctor or nurse and breaks out screaming, period, and we don't do vaccines or well checks. Your doctor could probably do with some new strategies, as well. I'm sure they're not warming the children up before they dive in poking and prodding.
Well, billsfan, my child knows how to behave in situations like that and normally does. When she was 19 months she had to have surgery and after that was a little gunshy around doctors. Children sometimes have a legitimate fear and it's not a matter of misbehaving. Since the surgery we talk about going to the doctor and that they're there to help and they have to do things like listen to your heart, look in your ears, etc. Luckily I also have a very patient pediatrician and my daughter is very well behaved at the doctors now. I suppose my 12 month old is a total brat for screaming when the Dr. tried to look in her ears. Because she so understands what's going on. Geez.
All I know is that the best thing that works for me is to be prepared. Why? Not because it keeps my kid busy (although that would work too) it's because whenever I am prepared, we get seen RIGHT AWAY. It's like a curse, HAHA.
My issue is that Drs seem to think their time is the only time that matters. If I show up more than 20 min. late to an appt. they make me pay for it AND make me reschedule. Well...when a dr is 20 or FORTY minutes late...nothing...it's like it's no big deal.
funny my now 4 yr old was very good during the 1-4 yr gap, didn't even cry and was very good with the doctor. yesterday she had to get shots and she reminded me of the way she was back when she was 1, i had to hold her, the doctor was scared and she was screaming all the way! what happened in a few months, i have no clue but i'm surprised. lol