Visits to the doctor’s office can be stressful for children, but child well checks are essential. Not only do they help confirm that your child is growing and hitting certain milestones they should be hitting, but they also help you spot problems before they become major issues. If your child has an appointment coming up, there are ways to get ready. Here are three tips to prepare your child for a well check.
Explain What Will Happen
Make sure you talk to your child about what to expect at the doctor. Use age-appropriate language and be honest about things like exams and shots. Even if they aren’t happy about the idea of child well checks, knowing what to expect can alleviate some of the anxiety surrounding doctors’ appointments. So make sure that you’re open and honest with your child, answering any questions they might have.
Make a List of Concerns
Before the appointment, write down any questions or concerns you might have. Consider your child’s medical history as you do so. If you’re bringing a baby for a child well check, there might be specific issues. Babies born before 38 weeks of gestation often have jaundice so parents need to be sure that the doctor checks for it.
If you have older children, make sure that you ask them about any concerns they might have. Don’t be judgmental or try to minimize anything they say, just add it to the list. Get them involved in the process and it’ll make the appointment go smoothly.
Use Books or Videos
Even if you explain what to expect, your child might not grasp exactly what will happen at child well checks. Use books and videos to teach them what will happen. Familiar characters in picture books can make the whole idea far less scary, so check out a bookstore or library for resources.
Going to the doctor is extremely important, so you want your child to be comfortable with the idea. Begin preparing them for the appointment in advance with age-appropriate communication and explanations. If they know what to expect before the appointment, you won’t need to explain it any further in the heat of the moment. This will allow you both to be better prepared and get more out of your child well checks.
