Creating a positive experience at an early age will help create healthy habits and routines which will carry on to latter life. Let’s face it, none of us look forward to receiving a needle or sutures, but it is easier to prepare for when we understand the reasons behind the treatments. Preparing a child for a stress free visit can be a joint effort between parents and practitioners in just a few simple steps. This guide is intended to help you find resources which can help create that good experience for the smallest patients.
- Children’s Books
Children often relate to story books when it comes to managing challenging situations or emotions. They will help them prepare and cope with healthcare experiences. There are lots of titles including “Daniel Visits the doctor”, “My Body” & “The Berenstain Bears go to the Doctor”.
- Preparation Pictures
Seeing pictures of the inside of a doctor’s surgery can help those children who are visual learners. They know better what to expect including the people they may meet.
- Preparation Videos
It may help to watch videos which include the children’s favourite characters at the doctor. Some of these titles include:
“Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Doctor Daisy”
“Sesame Street: Elmo visits the Doctor”
“Sid the Science Kid: Getting a Shot”
- Furnishings at the surgery
Every child loves a play corner while they wait. Getting to play with new toys always brings a child joy. But the furnishing used in a surgery can also assist. Small furniture or fun linen on the examination tables indicates to the child that this is their place to use.
- Comfort Positioning
Secure hugging holds and distraction are two techniques which make a child feel safe and secure. They reduce the anxiety and further risk of injury to a child during medical procedures as you sing, count or read a book.
If you have any questions about preparing your child for their visit to the doctor, why not contact your surgery and discuss what other strategies and tools they suggest.
