How to Get Your Child to Like Going to the Doctor

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Does your child make a fuss when you take them to the doctors? Most small children won't let doctors examine them, and this can be stressful for everyone. Find out how to get your child more used to the idea!

Steps

1. There are some children's books about children going to the doctors, that reassure them that there is nothing to worry about, but in a more kid friendly way! Buy them a book with cartoons or lots of pictures in and they will be less worried!
   
2. Buy them a doctors set! You can get these in most toy shops, that include plastic stethoscopes, thermometers, tweezers and other things. Get your child to play with it and pretend he/she is the doctor. Let them 'examine' you, and practice on dolls or stuffed toys.
   
3. Get them more used to the idea of the doctors by taking them along if you go for a check-up. Go when they don't need to be examined, and let them see that there is nothing wrong!
   
4. Promise them a treat if they behave well. Offer them sweets or small toys. Then your child will start to like the idea of going to the doctor!
   

Tips

• Talk to them about it! Ask them why they are scared and let them know you will be with them the whole time.
  
• Sometimes bringing a favorite stuffed animal along will help the child relax.
  

Warnings

• Sometimes, even when treats are mentioned, a child may still missbehave at the doctor's office. Make sure to let them know that going to the doctor helps people feel better and prevents you from getting sick in the first place, and that the doctor will not hurt you, only help you.
  

Related wikiHows

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• How to Know Why a Child (Under 2) Is Crying
  
• How to Help Your Child Accept a New Baby
  
• How to Find a Doctor
  
• How to Administer Medicine to a Resistant Child
  

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