Fear of the pediatrician, how to calm the children
They feel sick, go to an unknown place and meet a person wearing a white coat who uses rare and cold appliances they do not understand In the creative mind of a child it is normal that a visit to the doctor suppose the appearance of an episode of fear.
The challenge is to get them to understand that the doctors They are your allies and not enemies that are going to hurt you. Make them understand that despite the possible discomfort, these people will relieve their ailments, it is something fundamental that all parents must ensure.
The doctor is never punishment
A mistake usually made in the homes of the previous generation is to say to the child that he either behaves well, or he is taken to the doctor to give him an injection. It is not surprising that in this situation the minor link the visit to the pediatrician with something traumatic and that is a result of bad behavior. Actually the little ones must accept that going to a specialist is something necessary to get well.
Parents also need to ensure that the visit to the pediatrician is as pleasant as possible. Before leaving, they can be briefly explained what is bad and that they are going to visit a person who will surely help them. That is, change the tables and not see the doctor as a punishment but as the opposite: a necessary friend throughout life. We can use material available on youtube which is adapted to children and explains the functioning of the human body.
Contact with the pediatrician
Another technique that helps to lose the fear of pediatricians is that children see something close to them. How much better relation Be with the doctor better. If by chance you are on the street to this specialist, greeting him as a person close to the family will help the child see him as someone to trust.
That the child know the name of your doctor It is also very important as this helps to stop being a stranger to him. In addition, the pediatrician also addresses the minor in a friendly and conciliatory tone is very important to improve the relationship between the two.
Let them talk
Like any other patient, it is who suffers from this pain who can best explain to the doctor what happens to him. When going to the doctor should be allowed to talk about their symptoms, this technique will also help to promote the bond between the child and his pediatrician. When the child finishes speaking, the parents will be able to provide all the information that they have missed or that their child has not been able to explain correctly.
To normalize the situation it is also recommended that when adults have to go to the doctor, they do not symptoms of fear or reluctance. Parents should be the best reference in this regard and show their children that these visits are typical and the only way to heal when they feel bad. If it is a simple check-up and not a serious problem, that the children go with their parents to the health center is a good way to lose this fear.
Once the medical consultation is over, if they have behaved well, parents should transmit what proud who feel for this demonstrated attitude. Otherwise, you never have to scold or get angry, you have to explain quietly that nothing has happened and that this visit was essential to cure.
Damián Montero
