My Son Is Scared of the Doc!!!

Here is what I'm thinking. He equates the doctors office with pain. How close is the doctors off? Can you stop by the office to get a lolly pop or sticker or a hug? He needs to know that it doesn't always hurt to go to the doctors office. See if you can get the office staff to play along. Have him wieghed and measured. How do you feel about going to the doctors office? A reward for not pitching a fit would also help. It would give him something to think about other then the fear of pain. That and lots and lots of hugs,and snuggles. Hold him in your arms the entier time of your appointment. This fear is real and he has good reason for it. There are all those shots. I hate them to. Good luck..

Try to call the doctor by his first name and tell him that he's not gonna hurt u just want to check on your tummy or else,he's not gonna give you a shot...tell him that all his friends went to see him, he might give you a toy if you're not crying after he checked up on you.It works with my 2 girls even going to the dentist.

there are books about going to the dr you can read with him, also buy a little dr kit and practice giving exams to each other so he will know what to expect. I've also heard some people schedule an appt with the dr just to talk with the child and make them feel more at ease. I have a backpack for each of my girls with coloring books, crayons, stickers, and McDonalds toys that they only get when we go somewhere. While we are waiting I color with them or read them books to distract them.

My son was terrified of the doctor and his pediatrician suggested getting him one of those toy doctor kits. It actually worked. He is still not totally comfortable but it was a drastic improvement. He started taking his little kit with him to the doctor.

Hi L.-

My doctor started getting nervous about going to the doctor, so I bought her a doctor's kit. We played games about who was sick and she must have taken our blood pressure and temperature hundreds of times! Being able to roleplay helped alleviate her fears by giving her control over the playtime at home.

I also agree with the previous poster who suggested stopping by without the need to see the doctor. Good advice.

Good luck!
J.

Hi L.-- Have you tried any books or videos that explain about going to the doctor? I know there is a Blues Clues episode of Blue going to the doctor and I bought a Dora the Explorer book for my dd that we read before visiting the dr. My son never had issues but my daughter doesn't like going -- being able to talk to her about what Blue or Dora did at the Drs. does help some. I have also bought special coloring books or toys that they get at the drs. office to keep them busy and their minds off of what they think is going to happen. I hate to say it but he may never like going but as he gets older the screaming and fits will taper off.
Good luck.