I was wondering what age is too old to take your child to your ob/gyn exam with you. My son is 3-1/2 & I have taken him with me up until now, but my yearly exam is coming up & I don't know if he is too old to go with me. He asks alot of questions & I don't know if or how to explain that one to him. Thanks for your help.
I don't think I would do that. I have a 2 year old and I leave her home for the pelvic exam. I think it would be tramatic for a male child. www.livegreeneasy.com
I would get a sitter at this point or have a friend/relative go along to keep your son company in the waiting room.
This past pregnancy, my 12 yr old son came with me. I had no choice. Ya know, really, it's all on how you look at it and how you explain it. I was very honest with him, but not too in detail. He would giggle sometimes, but seriously, it's a natural thing that can either be embarrasing or just part of life depending on how you handle it.
He does not seem harmed in any way either, lol.
P.S. he would help with my 4 yr old in the room also.
I am shocked from both what you have said, and what other people have replied to you. I cannot believe that the doctors would let children in, in the first place. I don't care if it's a boy or a girl. That would definitely trouble a child. No one should take their child in for an vaginal exam. OMG! I really couldn't believe the one with the 12 year old. She aught to be ashamed of herself. Her poor kids. I wouldn't have ever had my son in the room when I had this done. You know you could schedule a check-up for them at the same time. The kids could set in the hallway, or someone could watch them for you for a short time. There is no excuse.
S.
Sounds like you already have come to the conclusion that he's at that age where you are going to be uncomfortable with him and his questions. I would either reschedule or get a sitter. There are things that you just can't explain to a 3 year old!
The reason I didn't/don't take my kids with me isn't because of age, it is because doctors offices are a little "dangerous" for little ones. I had a hard time keeping my son still long enough to talk to the doctor, he wanted to touch EVERYTHING! After working in a doctors office for many years, I can tell you that you do NOT want you kid touching anything in a gyne's office!
I think for the yearly exam that 3 is too old....that one is pretty thorough and would probably freak him out a little...(MOMMY ON A TABLE FEET IN STIRUPS?). I take my kids to "normal" visits, but not the yearly. Heck-I dont even wanna be there so I am sure my kids wouldnt-LOL
I have never taken any of my kids (or babies) in with me. Years ago I wouldn't have even considered it, but when it came time for my first exam after my baby was born I wondered the same thing. Fortunately the office people acted like it was a common question and said they would watch him (he was still a newborn). It worked out fine. Maybe it was just something about that particular office. At your son's age, I wouldn't ask the office staff. Since that first occasion, though, I have had someone else watch him. I could never picture my baby in there with me for that--much too personal. Since yours is asking questions if I were you I would definitely not take him in again.
It's natural for any child to ask a ton of questions and even say alot of things...like when you're in the public bathroom, and they say..."Mommy, you're going poopie?, Good job" and you know there are people around you. hahaha.
But as far as taking your child to the gyn/ob at 3 or 4 is totally fine. I would suggest for the comfort for all of you,is to simply have him bring a toy or an activity that he can work on while the doctor is there with you. Explain the basic, "Doc. has to check me." Let him concentrate by listening." and even try to talk to him other than what the what the doc. is doing, like the holidays-what does he want to do, yada yada yada. Keep all info about the exmaination short and brief, if and when he ask. Most importantly-should he ask about the doctor touching you-this would be a good idea to explain, the no touch rule with strangers, teachers,etc. and that only Mommy or (daddy) and given permission the doctor even to touch. Rather start young than later before it may be to late.
Mother of 4.
Good Luck.
I have a three and a half year old and I can't imagine answering the questions he would most certainly have as to why that doctor is looking there! Maybe it's time to find a sitter for the yearly internal exam.
I would definately not bring him along. It sounds like you already know this since you are asking the question, but I would make a point of not bringing him. I had my son along for an appointment when I was pregnant and they unexpectedly had to do a vaginal exam. I had more questions to answer than I cared to. The doctor was very discreet about the situation, but even still six months later, my son still remembered and talked about it on occasion. Best of luck in your decision.
