As a mother, I know nobody likes bringing their child to the doctors. Even though, as parents - we love hearing out child is healthy; the dreaded 'S' word looms over our heads the entire drive there. The best thing for our children is to get checked out by a doctor yearly and to have immunizations against serious diseases and infections; yet, brief anger still boils over the healthcare worker who is poking our child with a needle. That being said, as a healthcare worker, there a few things that I can confirm will make office visits easier on a parent's, and child's, anxiety while preventing resentment for healthcare.

1. Be Honest With Your Child BEFORE The Appointment

Do not wait to inform you child of their doctor's appointment. Very few people, even as adults, like to be blindsided by situations that may be somewhat triggering. Kids do not deserve to be blindsided either. Tell them a few days prior to the appointment that it is coming. Waiting until right before the appointment causes anxiety for a child and may make them overthink going; is the doctors office bad? Why didn't they tell me? Am I Being punished?

By telling your child about the appointment ahead of time, it gives them time to process any questions or fears they may have, and give them time to ask you about them. Which brings me to my next point...

2. Do Not Surprise Your Child With The News Of Shots

   Just telling your child they have an appointment is not enough. Most children will correlate the doctor's office with shots and ask, but if they do not, TELL THEM. Kid's may feel blindsided and resentful after receiving an unexpected shot.

3. Do Not Tell You Child 'It Won't Hurt'

I hate that I even have to say this one. Do you enjoy being lied to? Surprisingly, more parents than not tell their children that the shots won't hurt. When the child inevitably finds out it does hurt, they may question their trust for the healthcare worker and even their parents. Most adults have had someone in their life who has lied to them at some point. Did you lose trust for them afterwards? Kids are capable of a lot more thought and emotion than what we give them credit for. Why give your child a reason not to trust you?

4. Explain Immunizations To Your Child

   Now that we have established that shots do hurt, give them a reason for them. I am not telling you to tell you child about the gruesome deaths that diseases once caused; but find a G rated version to explain the need for the poke. When kids know that the shot is for their protection, it won't make them like them, but it will let them know that you as their parent, and us as their healthcare workers, are not hurting them just because we feel like it. Explain to them that healthcare workers are safe adults who are only preventing pain and sickness.

5. Let Your Child Feel

Shots DO hurt. The doctor IS scary. Yelling at your child does not teach them to cope with pain, it only teaches them to hold their pain in. Children should feel safe letting their emotions and fears out with their parents and doctors.

I became a mother before I became a healthcare worker and these are things I did not think about either. We all want what's best for our child and sometimes we do not think about the long term affect our actions may cause. Children who are raised with a negative view on the doctor's office will often become an adult and not come to the doctor until they are much older; and sometimes it is too late as chronic diseases go undiagnosed for so many years.

In conclusion, poking children with needles is not something healthcare workers enjoy either; but it is necessary. If the adults in the situation work together, we can help prevent trauma responses from our children.