Whereas taking your baby or toddler to the doctor, especially for a shot, was more stressful for you, once your child is a preschooler, he or she probably knows what to expect, and is likely to be very unwilling to go!
Not making a big deal of things like injections, but rather just telling your child there will be a little sting, is a good way to make them less stressed when it’s time for immunisations. Explaining that you are going to the doctor, and why, can also help prepare your preschooler for a visit to the doctor’s office. Whether it’s an injection that your child needs, or because he or she has a specific problem, tell your child why you’re going to the doctor, and what he or she will do to make things better.
Choosing a doctor that is child friendly, with a fun waiting room, and not prolonging the problem by arriving too early, can also help. Or you could help to prepare your child by buying a toy doctor’s kit, and letting him or her ‘practice’ on teddies and dolls.
Offering rewards and praise, whether it’s a lollypop or a big hug, can go a long way to making doctor visits less of a pain for your child. Always praise your child when he or she goes to the doctor and doesn’t put up too much of a fight, and make sure that your child associates the experience with something positive by following it up with something special. Even if that means a walk in the park with you, or a special treat on the way home.
If all else fails, try using a numbing cream before your child has an injection. Since it’s injections that your child is probably most afraid of, if you take the sting out of them, you’ll probably find your child much more willing to go with you to the doctor next time!
Not making a big deal of things like injections, but rather just telling your child there will be a little sting, is a good way to make them less stressed when it’s time for immunisations. Explaining that you are going to the doctor, and why, can also help prepare your preschooler for a visit to the doctor’s office. Whether it’s an injection that your child needs, or because he or she has a specific problem, tell your child why you’re going to the doctor, and what he or she will do to make things better.
Choosing a doctor that is child friendly, with a fun waiting room, and not prolonging the problem by arriving too early, can also help. Or you could help to prepare your child by buying a toy doctor’s kit, and letting him or her ‘practice’ on teddies and dolls.
Offering rewards and praise, whether it’s a lollypop or a big hug, can go a long way to making doctor visits less of a pain for your child. Always praise your child when he or she goes to the doctor and doesn’t put up too much of a fight, and make sure that your child associates the experience with something positive by following it up with something special. Even if that means a walk in the park with you, or a special treat on the way home.
If all else fails, try using a numbing cream before your child has an injection. Since it’s injections that your child is probably most afraid of, if you take the sting out of them, you’ll probably find your child much more willing to go with you to the doctor next time!
