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Surviving The Doctor's Visit

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Thursday, March 11, 2010
by Jeannie Fleming-Gifford

Coffee. Chocolate. List of questions. List of answers. Breathe deep.

Okay, I'm ready. Tomorrow is check-up day for the munchkin. I don't know why I get so worked up. It's that "crazy mama/want everything to be grand/is everything okay?" syndrome. Do you have it too?

Don't worry, I put on a good game face. To her, there's nothing going on here. I've mentioned it a time or two (she's the kind of kiddo that likes to know where we're off to next...though I also have friends who would never mention it to their toddler - they simply find no need and their kiddo does just fine). I haven't let on to the details though (i.e. the shot).

So, what's one to do? Is there a way to prepare your toddler for a trip to the doctor's? When they are sick, it seems easier. At those times, they could care less. They just don't feel well.

Routine check-ups, however, sometimes seem to breed fear. It's going someplace different. It's a face (the doctor) that they don't (hopefully) see often. It's the idea of being weighed and measured and touched by a stranger (come to think of it, I don't like that at all either).

Well, I've been gearing up and I think we are ready to go. How?

1. Books. Books are such an awesome resource for introducing the unfamiliar. There's stories (both fiction and non-fiction) for talking about the experiences that may occur at the doctor's. Here's one of my little girl's current favorites: www.amazon.com/Say-Ahhh-Dora-Doctor-Explorer/dp/1416954309/ref=sr_1_1.

2. Play doctor's kit + favorite stuffed toy = something similiar for the munchkin to play with and help her understand the tools the doctor may use.

3. Reward. Yes, sometimes it's about the good surprises. My doctor's office happens to have stickers and I'm touting that there is a sticker at the end of this adventure. She's little and she's happy about this.

4. And, last but not least, mama will stay calm and composed. Coffee. Chocolate (while she's not watching, of course!). Repeat.

We'll survive. How about you?

 

Comments

Thursday, March 11, 2010 - Jill

Hey Jeannie! Hope the dr's went well! Jacob just loves going to see Dr. Molly. In fact he asks to go sometimes! He says "I'm sick Mommy, we need to go see Dr. Molly". As far as shots go....I don't tell him. He likes to know where we are going and what we are doing...I say to the Dr's for some flu medicine! He is happy and we move on! I sit him in my lap and talk to him....they stick that shot in and he kind of looks at me and is more annoyed that I am holding onto him than he is about getting a shot! I'm guessing the next set of shots may not be as easy as they get older!

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