Going to the doctors is not something that I ever look forward to whether it is for me or for my kids. The only time that I do look forward to going to a doctors appointment is when I know I am going kid free because I know I will have at least an hour of peace and quiet to crack open a book. However, sometimes I have to take both my kiddos with me and that can be a lot of work. If you are in the same boat as me I don't always have someone to watch the kids. Everyone tries to help when they can but sometimes it is just easier to load up both kids and go.
I thought I would share some tips and tricks for going to the doctor with your kids to help make the process smoother for you. Whether you are taking 1, 2, 3 or more kids with you hopefully these few tips and tricks will work for you.
1.Try to book your doctors appointments at a time that work for you and your children. I know easier said than done BUT if you are able to choose a time for your appointment try and book it around a time that works best for you. I know that Lily is not a morning person so the easiest time for me to get her out the door is early afternoon. So I try to book our appointments around 10-11:00am so I have time to get her up and moving in the morning. You can try to book appointments during nap time so that your kiddos fall asleep on the way to the appointment and hopefully will continue to sleep during it if you're able to transfer them into a stroller.
2. Prepare the day before. I find it helpful to prepare our clothes, diaper bags etc. all the day before so I don't have to worry about it the day of. This is a good time to gather health cards, immunization records and/or any paperwork that you might need to bring with you. It is also a good time to get your child(ren) to pack a bag to bring with them. I find this works really well with Lily because she finds it fun and also has a heads up we are going out. She picks a few toys to put in her bag and I usually throw in 1 or 2 extra as a surprise that I know will keep her busy if we are taking longer than expected. By preparing the day before it is one less thing on my mind and makes for a smoother process in the morning. I also find it helpful to pack the car the night before. Put all bags that can sit in the car over night in there, the stroller etc. so that it is one less thing to get out the door in the morning.
3. Most doctors offices have a kids area. USE IT! Bring some wipes with you and if you are worried about germs give the toys a wipe before your child uses them. It is a new area for your child to explore and it can help pass the time.
5. Use technology. If you aren't one to typically allow your child(ren) to watch YouTube or play on a device now may be the time to stretch the rules and make an exception. You might get a dirty look or two but if it means your child sitting patiently and quietly to get through the waiting it may just be worth it. When I let Lily use my phone she enjoys listening to music or playing a game. I also am often interacting with her on whatever she is watching so she isn't just staring at the screen. Another good idea is to download some shows or movies on Netflix before leaving the house. Then you don't use data and it is also entertaining for you too!
6. Snacks, snacks and more snacks! Snacks are always my go to! What kid doesn't love snacks and I usually throw in a special treat that Lily wouldn't normally get.
7. Make a list of questions. Even if I don't have my kids with me I always forget to ask the doctor something. So I find it helpful to make a list leading up to the appointment of all the questions I want answered and then I lave space to write the answers so I don't forget afterwards.
8. Explain what is happening. I find it really helpful with Lily to explain step by step what is happening. Sometimes we have more than one appointment in a day so I explain first we will do ____, then we will do ____. Usually it is only 2 things at a time. Same goes with if she seeing something happen to her brother at the doctors it is good to give your child a heads up what to expect, in language they will understand. If Mason is getting a needle I am honest with Lily. What we will do is play doctor with her doctor's kit and a doll ahead of time so she knows what to expect. I explain that her brother might cry but that is okay and usually give her a job to help. I find that by explaining things ahead of time it helps reduce her fear.
9. Give your child a job. If your child is old enough give them a job for during appointments. That way they feel they are involved. Lily's job can be holding the health card and giving it to the receptionist to holding Mason's hand while he gets his needle. I know Lily hates hearing her brother cry and it breaks her hear. So, I know that seeing Mason cry getting a needle would not be easy for her. However, by encouraging Lily to play with one of her toys as a distraction or to even sing Mason a song during the needle helps her feel included in the process and she knows she is helping.
Recently, I had to take Mason to the doctors for a checkup as I was concerned about him having a chest cold. I had told Lily we were going to the doctors and she asked to come with us. When we got there she saw her brother was upset by the nurse examining him. Without me suggesting or asking she went and got a book and started showing him the pictures and talking to him. I strongly believe by explaining things to her at an early age she now feels empowered to be apart of the process and less fearful of the doctor .
I do believe that because Lily has gone to almost all my doctors appointments with me that she is used to the doctors office and hospital environment and therefore more comfortable. She's seen me get needles, basic examinations, and talk to various health care professionals. I also try to be calm during the process, nothing medical really freaks me out thankfully, so that Lily doesn't think that I am fearful of what is happening. However, please know that if medical procedures or doctor's offices cause you anxiety that is OKAY! But it is something to be aware of and remember that when we show anxiety in a situation our children often exhibit the same behaviour. Therefore, it may be best not to bring your children.
I do recommend that if you are going to an appointment that is really important that you try not to bring your children. Especially if it is an appointment that may not be appropriate for them to see what the doctor is doing or hear what the doctor may be talking about. Children hear more than we think they do and it is important that we expose them to information that is developmentally appropriate for them. Mason is still too little to understand what is going on when I take him to the doctors however with Lily she is understanding more and more every time.
Do these tips work every time? NO! However, it is helpful to have some tips and tricks in your back pocket just in case. In the moment it can be hard to think of something to do so being prepared is key. I always bring more than I know we will need because sometimes its a matter of pulling out multiple distractions every 5 minutes. But it makes me feel better knowing that I have extra stuff if we need it.
My last tip! Go into the day or appointment with a positive mindset. I tell myself and kids "today is going to be a good day". I find starting off on the right foot and reminding everyone that we are going to have a good day is extremely helpful!
Do you have any helpful tips? Did you try any of the above tips and have success or failure? I would love to hear some of your stories!
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