How to Avoid Child Anxiety for Doctor Tests

If parents and adults can get squeamish about medical tests and doctor visit, imagine how your child feels. Children can spend a lot of time at the doctor's office between routine doctor check-ups and visits due to childhood illnesses, not to mention all those tests and shots required for different schools and age brackets.

Children can feel the same emotions and fears adults have about these medical exams and tests. But feelings of fear, anxiety or guilt can be confusing to young children who are less able to deal with these new fears than adults. Help prepare your child before going to the doctor by paying special attention to their emotions and fears.

First, talk to your child about their upcoming doctor visit or medical exam. Explain why the medical visit is necessary. For example, explain that a normal "well-child" exam is important because regular check-ups at their pediatrician help keep them healthy so they can enjoy their favorite activities like soccer or dance.

If your child has been having symptoms of a childhood illness, do not be afraid to be honest with him. Tell him that the doctor needs to see him to discover why he is feeling bad so the doctor can help him feel better and get well.

Sometimes, children can feel guilty if they are sick and have to visit the doctor. Help avoid feelings of guilt by abstaining from discussions about medical bills or hectic schedules in front of your child. Even young children are acutely aware of when their parents are stressed and may experience guilt if they think they are the cause.

Be sure to explain to your child that the symptoms or childhood illness are not their fault. Remind them that everyone gets sick sometimes. For serious illnesses, it may help to show your child photos of other children who have similar diseases so your child understands that they are not the only one.

If your child has an illness or injury, like a broken bone, that happened because they disobeyed or broke a rule, avoid reminding the child that they caused the injury. After your child has healed, discuss why the rules exist and remind them of the consequences. But avoid this while the child is healing.

Talk to your child about what she can expect at the doctor's office. Don't pretend something won't hurt if it will. Being honest lets your child prepare for the visit. On the other hand, you do not have to go overboard explaining how uncomfortable something may be. If your child has to have a shot, tell them about the procedure and that the shot will only hurt a little and be over quickly.

If you know your child will have to have a shot, never lie to them and tell them they will not. Many times when children ask their parents if the doctor will give them a shot at this visit, parents lie and say no. Then the child is surprised at the doctor's office and can feel betrayed. This leads to a lack of distrust which is essential for parents and children to keep.

Give your child something to look forward to after an uncomfortable doctor's visit. For example, tell your child if they are very brave and respectful at the doctor, you will visit the park on the way home. Or promise them a rare treat like a trip to the ice cream shop or pizza for dinner.