These thoughts about preparing for doctor visits with kids were provided by our guest writer and special needs consultant, Dr. Melissa Liguori, Ed. D.
As parents, educators and caregivers, we know the importance of pretend play. Children of all ages love to dress up and become a favorite characters, role model, or even an animal. Slipping into these roles allows children to express their creativity, escape into a fantasy, and even helps prepare them for certain situations.
During the summer months, many children are catching up on doctor visits, dental appointments, and school haircuts! These appointments may seem routine for many children, but for some, especially those with special needs, these visits can produce a great deal of anxiety.
Children can often feel anxious when they do not know what to expect. They can also be holding on to memories of past visits that might not have gone well. The best thing we as adults can do to ease the nerves of these children is to help prepare them. Often once the element of “surprise” or the “mystery” is taken away, kids do much better at these appointments.
An easy way to prepare for these appointments is through pretend play. Have your child dress as the doctor, a pediatric nurse, or a dentist. See what their ideas or thoughts are about their upcoming visit while you be the patient. Allow them to explore the stethoscope, syringes, and thermometer.
Similarly, if your child is anxious about getting a haircut, allow them to be the hairstylist. The Melissa & Doug set comes with a hair dryer with sound effects, pretend scissors and more!
It may also be a good idea to call ahead and let the professional such as your pediatrician or dentist know your child is uneasy about the visit. They may be able to schedule your visit at a slow time of the day, or even schedule in some extra time for your appointment. Allow your child to bring or wear their Melissa & Doug role play set. They can look in the doctor’s ear then the doctor can look in their ear.
Once they have acted out the visit as a doctor or a nurse a few times, they'll likely going to be more at ease and ready to be the patient themselves! Stick out your tongue and say, "Aaaahhh"!
