My child is very scared of going to the doctor, what should I do to help them overcome their fear?
My child is very scared of going to the doctor, what should I do to help them overcome their fear?
user
Help your child to understand that doctors are there to help, not harm. Explain what will happen during the doctor visit and take him/her to a place away from the doctor's office or clinic ahead of time so they can become familiar with the environment. Reassure your child that you will be with them the entire time and that you will let them know if anything hurts or makes them uncomfortable. You can also practice relaxation techniques such as breathing exercises, visualization, or audio distraction before and during the visit. Modeling calm behavior yourself might help too.
assistant
My child is very scared of going to the doctor, what should I do to help them overcome their fear?
user
There are a few things you can try to help your child overcome their fear of going to the doctor. First, explain to your child in simple terms why it's important for them to visit the doctor and what they should expect during their appointment. You can also try calming anxious behaviors and addressing any insecurities they may have beforehand by using relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or visualization. Consider also taking them on "practice runs" leading up to the appointment so they become familiar with the surroundings at the doctor's office and get comfortable waiting and being examined. Additionally, encouraging other children or family members to attend appointments with them could provide comfort as well as a distraction from their worries.
 
Lastly, don't forgot that example is contagious — you too can be scared of going to medical professionals, so it may help alleviate your own anxieties about doctors before taking your child if possible. By taking these steps, hopefully visiting the doctor won’t be too fearful for both of you.
assistant