This morning I put on my mom “hat” and took my little guy to see his pediatrician for his two year old well child visit. Doctor visits can be difficult for the toddler age group. So, before today’s visit I spent some time thinking about how I could make this visit easier for my son. Here are a few tips that can help make young children’s check-ups a little less painful for all involved.

1. Prepare your child. Talk to your child about going to the doctor. Tell them that someone will measure their weight and height. Explain to them that the doctor will examine their body in order to make sure that they are healthy and growing well. Read a book about going to the doctor or buy a child’s “doctor kit” and practice listening to their heart and lungs and checking their temperature. The more they understand about what is going to happen, the better the visit is likely to go.

2. Tell your child the truth about immunizations. Please don’t tell your child that they won’t be getting shots if you know that they likely will be due for vaccinations or are unsure of what testing or shots might be necessary. This just serves to decrease the child’s trust in parent, physician, and nursing staff when it turns out to not be true. Explain vaccinations or routine blood tests much like you would any other part of the visit. Tell your child that they may need a shot, and that it may hurt for a minute, but that they will be okay. Explain to them that vaccinations are an important part of keeping them healthy and strong. Let them know that you’ll be there to hold their hand or give a hug when they need it. Finally, don’t use vaccines as a punishment. Too often I hear parents tell their child (or even a sibling that is tagging along) that if they misbehave the doctor will give them a shot. This isn’t fair to the child. They may require vaccinations regardless of their behavior. Instead, consider telling them that after the visit you will spend some time with them at the park or reading a few favorite books together because you are proud of how well they did.

3. Make a list of questions. Think of a few things that you’ve been wondering about your child’s health and write them down so you can make the best use of the short time you have with your child’s doctor. Confused about the new child car seat regulations? Have a picky eater? Ask your child’s doctor for their opinion or their favorite resources on the subject.

4. Bring a few essentials. Your child’s immunization card. A favorite book or small toy to distract your child while waiting or to comfort them after shots. An extra diaper and wipes. A cup of water or piece of fruit in case the wait is longer than expected.

5. Prepare yourself. Sometimes a visit to the pediatrician, with associated exam, immunizations, and blood tests, can be just as traumatic for the parent as the child. But, remember, young children are experts at reading your emotions and mood. If you seem scared or upset, they may well follow suit. If you are able to remain calm and explain the visit step-by-step in a matter of fact way, they will often do better.

Do you dread, or perhaps look forward, to your child’s well visits? What strategies have you used to help everyone get through it?