Many children are afraid to go to hospitals. They scream at the sight of the hospital, signs and symbols associated with it. Some children get frightened by the mere sight of the doctors. They behave in a very strange manner or start crying. Sometimes the situation becomes uncontrollable. Parents of such kids find it very difficult to take them to a doctor in case of some illness. What is the best way to find out the reasons behind such behavior? How to get rid of the fear the kids harness against the doctors? Here are some expert tips to help your child get rid of doctor fears.
1. Talking to your child can help
Most often the fear arises when the children do not know what is going to happen after meeting the doctor or going to the hospital. So, the best way to take care of such situations is to talk to your child patiently and let her understand about what to expect after meeting the doctor. Try to explain the details very clearly. Tell her why the doctor uses the stethoscope, why he checks her pulse or examine the tongue etc. Also, tell why it is very important to meet the doctor and how he is going to help. When she understands the facts to some extent, she will be able to behave in a better manner.
2. Understanding your child
Many parents are too busy to notice the changes in their growing children. They may realize that their child is having a problem only when they have to visit the doctor for some treatment. This can cause embarrassment to the parents and the child. Always ensure that you spend more time with your children and try to understand their behavior and changes. If you find something out of place, correct it immediately. Children especially kids listen to their parents and are ready to learn whatever they say. So teach your children about the importance of health in a positive manner.
3. Change misconceptions
Most of the kids who fear the doctor may have developed the fear due to various reasons. Some of them may have listened to some painful stories from their friends or even watched some programs on the television that show how the hospitals and doctors deal with patients and traumatic conditions. These could have affected them wrongly. They even begin to associate such kinds of incidents to doctors and think that they deal with major injuries. So, talk to your kid and find out if she has been seeing such kinds of shows. Make her understand that such conditions are necessary for helping the patients and not for harming them. You can also explain the benefits of visiting a hospital.
4. Getting ready to visit a doctor
Are you getting ready to visit your doctor for a regular check up? But the fear in your child may be bothering you. By planning ahead you will be able to deal with such situations very easily. Here are some simple things you can do.
a. Playing: The best way to create an interest in your child is toys. Buy a doctor kit and let her play with it. Teach her about the individual items in it and how the doctor uses each one of them. Use picture books also to make the visit interesting and fun.
b.Truth matters: Though telling the truth may hurt your child, it will do good later. Never lie to her and take her to the doctor. Explain why the trip is needed and that nothing is going to hurt.
c. Experience: When you or anyone else in the family has an appointment with the doctor, take your kid along. Let her see how you or the person is behaving in the hospital. When she gets used to such visits, there will be some changes in the fear factor.
d. Stuffed toys: Let the doctor ‘check’ the toy first. This will make your child more relaxed and comfortable. She will also know what to expect when the doctor is examining her.
e. Boost confidence: Motivation and boosting confidence can work wonders. So, tell your child that you are expecting her to behave in the best possible manner. Tell her that you care for her and is always beside her for helping. When she has successfully completed the appointment, do not forget to praise her.
