• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Working Mom Blog | Outside the Box Mom

making life easier for working moms

  • Home
  • Home Life
    • Cleaning
    • Decor
    • Home Improvement
    • Laundry
    • Organizing
    • Save Money at Home
  • Meals
    • Cooking Shortcuts
    • Grocery Shopping
    • Health
    • Meal Planning
    • Recipes
    • Save Money on Meals
  • Work
    • Blogging
    • Entrepreneur Mom
    • New Working Mom
    • Unemployment
    • Work at Home
    • Work / Life Balance
  • Mom
    • Beauty, Style, and Fashion
    • Faith
    • Health
    • Me Time
    • Productivity
  • Family
    • Childcare
    • Digital Life
    • Education
    • Family Time
    • Hobbies
    • Holidays
    • Marriage
      • Marriage Advice
    • Parenting
    • Travel
  • Finances
  • About
    • About Raki Wright
    • Disclosure Policy
    • My Communities:
    • Outside The Box Mom Resources
    • Parties I Link To
    • Privacy Policy | Privacy Notice
  • Contact
  • Shop

How to Make Medical Procedures Less Scary For Your Child

This post may contain affiliate links. Read full disclosure.

by RAKI WRIGHT

0 shares
  • Share
  • Tweet

A child’s visit to the doctor can be a stressful and fear-inducing experience for both the child and parents. A child experiencing these feelings of fear may struggle to understand the need for medical attention and not understand that the doctor is there to help.

It can be hard to watch your child go through something scary and unfamiliar. To help make medical procedures less frightening for your children, here are some tips you can use to help them stay calm during trips to the clinic or the hospital:

Avoid Using Unfamiliar Medical Terms

When talking about medical procedures with their children, parents should refrain from using medical language. Using clinical terms like “shot” or “operation” can make the methods seem scarier than they are. When explaining these things to your children, try to use words that will be more familiar and comforting to them, like “medicine,” “prick,” or “checkup.”

Use Books and Videos in Explaining the Procedure

Consider using age-appropriate books or videos about medical procedures so that they have an idea of what it entails beforehand. Many of these will show the child there is absolutely nothing to fear and can really encourage them to go for medical attention.

Answer Questions Honestly

Children who are getting ready to head in for a medical procedure should not be over-talked to. While you shouldn’t frighten them, it’s also important to acknowledge their fears and answer any questions they may have. If your child asks, “Why do I have to get this vaccine?” explain that the doctor is doing this to help him be healthier and that it’s no fun to be sick.

Give Children Control Over Their Environment

One of the best ways to make your children feel more at ease during medical procedures is to make sure that they are in a familiar and comfortable place. You might consider visiting the doctor’s office ahead of time with your child or let them listen on the phone when you talk with the doctor so that they can hear the sounds and voices of people at the clinic.

Use Their Favorite Toy and Song

Keep children distracted with toys or activities before, during, and after the procedure. For instance, if your child is coming in for a blood test, you can let them hold on to their favorite stuffed toy while the blood is drawn. If they are up for a medical scan, you can let them listen to their favorite nursery rhymes to get distracted from the machine’s noise.

Prepare Your Child for the Procedure Ahead of Time

Ensure that your child understands what will happen before they go into the doctor’s office. For example, if they need an MRI Scan, prepare your child for an MRI Scan by letting them know that they will be in a tunnel of loud, humming noises for a few minutes, answering their questions, and assuring them you will always be there for them.

Be There For Your Child

Let your child know they are never alone and they can trust you. You are their advocate and friend. Let your child know that you love them and that they don’t have to do anything they don’t want to do. If your child sees you as their advocate, they will be more likely to stay calm and experience less stress.

Reward Your Child’s Bravery

Plan a special event with your child on what you will do after the procedure, such as going out for ice cream or getting balloons from a party store to celebrate their bravery!

Your child’s health should always remain your priority, whether it is for an upcoming doctor visit or any other type of medical procedure. By approaching the situation in a calm way and preparing yourself and your children physically and mentally, you can ensure that the whole process is as stress-free and painless as possible.

Related Posts:

  • Here’s What Doctors Can Teach Us About Delivering Bad News
  • Trends and considerations of a Heart doctor
  • When Doctors Make Fatal Mistakes: Who Pays?
  • Reasons to Regularly See Your Doctor (Or a Dermatologist)
  • Author
  • Recent Posts
RAKI WRIGHT
Raki's Google Profile
Latest posts by RAKI WRIGHT (see all)
  • Essential Questions to Ask Your Rental Housing Provider -
  • How to Find an Egg Donor that Looks Like You -
  • Moms, Get In The Picture -

Filed Under: Parenting

Previous Post: « The Ultimate Checklist For Selecting The Best Keurig Coffee Maker
Next Post: 8 Tips To Help You Recover From Your Mommy Makeover Comfortably »

Primary Sidebar

Welcome! I'm Raki. I am a working mom of 2 (20-year old son and 13-year old daughter). I share tips to balance work, family, and make time for you. More...

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Footer

What are you looking for?

Stock images by depositphotos.

Enter your email address to get the best time-saving tips and solutions for busy, working moms in your inbox.

* indicates required

Copyright © 2023 · Foodie Pro Theme by Shay Bocks · Built on the Genesis Framework · Powered by WordPress

0 shares