My Young Child Is Afraid of Going to the Doctor: How Can I Help?

Young kids are often afraid of the unknown and may not go willingly into new experiences, including a visit to the doctor’s office. If your child is fearful or anxious about an upcoming doctor appointment, there are strategies you can use to calm their worries.

At American Pediatrics, we offer high-quality pediatric care for children of all ages. Whether your child is visiting the office for the first time for a well-child exam or a same-day sick visit, there are strategies you can use ahead of time to give them the reassurance they need to overcome fears.

Our experienced pediatricians and friendly staff maintain a welcoming environment to help your child feel safe. We also recommend the following strategies to support your child as they go through something new.

Why your child might be worrying

To better understand what may be causing uneasy feelings before a doctor’s appointment, it helps to know some of the common fear and anxiety triggers in children.

Fear of the unknown

Fear of the unknown is a common reason kids develop anxieties about their first trip to a new doctor. They may have had previous experiences where a doctor’s visit meant shots or testing that made them uncomfortable.

Distrust of the doctor

Meeting with a new doctor can feel overwhelming for kids of any age. Your child may feel afraid of the physical exam a doctor performs. Some kids become intimidated by the volume or tone of the doctor’s voice.

Concerns about treatment

Children may worry about needing treatments like surgery, especially if they have family members who need ongoing medical care or have been hospitalized.

Anticipation of pain

Some kids might equate a trip to the doctor with pain, especially if they’ve had a painful injury or medical condition in the past. Many children may also have a strong fear of the needles used for immunizations or blood testing.

4 tips to ease your child’s anxieties before and during their visit

You can use several ways to help your child feel more confident and courageous before their office visit. Here are a few strategies our pediatricians recommend:

1. Be honest about the visit

Before your child’s appointment, let them know an appointment is coming up. Surprising your child with a doctor’s appointment can increase your child’s fears and anxieties and make future visits even more difficult.

Let them know some of what they can expect using age-appropriate language. For instance, you can tell your child that a routine check-up helps keep them healthy. There are also books you can read with them about what it’s like to visit the doctor.

2. Stay positive and reassuring

Navigating the emotional outbursts that children can experience when they’re scared can be a challenge. However, the more positive and reassuring you are with your children, the better they will feel about the situation.

Try not to lose your cool, and don’t use guilt as a motivator. Let your child know that you understand it can be scary to do something new and that you’ll be with them throughout the visit.

3. Bring along a comfort item

Allow your child to bring one or two items, such as a stuffed animal or favorite toy, that comfort them and help them feel safe.

4. Ask about a meet and greet

If you have a child who’s especially fearful of their first visit to American Pediatrics, get in touch with our staff about a prescheduled office visit. 

We can discuss your options for a visit ahead of your child’s appointment so you can both meet our staff, look around the office, and feel more comfortable about what to expect.

Call American Pediatrics in Corona, Eastvale, or Irvine, California, today to schedule an office visit or book an appointment online.