My 2 1/2 yo daughter is terrified of her clinic visits. From the time we walk through the doors to the back, she cries. She screams during blood pressure (so, we often don't get one), weight check, height, everything. We have tried everything in an attempt to distract her. I bought a set of scales for her to "practice" on. She is still scared of them, but will get closer and sometimes will get on them. I also bought a stethascope to practice with, and she seems to be doing a little better, but the actual day is often really tough. We go back on the 26th of this month, and will have to have labwork drawn, so it will definately be a difficult day. Does anyone have any tips or tricks to help her adjust better?
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Terrified Toddler
- Thread starter reillybug
- Start date
CFHockeyMom
New member
Hi Cindy,
Sean wasn't quite as bad but close. We once went to visit my grandmother in the hospital and as soon as we got to the floor and he saw all the nurses, he started screaming and wouldn't go a step further. He's better now with the exception of needles. The mere thought sends him into an anxiety attack.
Sean also seemed to do better with his dad at clinic. You know, wanting to be a "man" just like dad so my husband started taking him. So, now my husband takes him to 75% of his clinic visits. Is the anyone else that can take your daughter? Sometimes, they aren't quite so dramatic when Mom isn't there to watch.
Another suggestion is baby/toddler yoga. We heard from some of the nurses at our clinic that some families are doing this with their kids to teach them relaxation and breathing techniques for anxious situations and pain management.
Sean wasn't quite as bad but close. We once went to visit my grandmother in the hospital and as soon as we got to the floor and he saw all the nurses, he started screaming and wouldn't go a step further. He's better now with the exception of needles. The mere thought sends him into an anxiety attack.
Sean also seemed to do better with his dad at clinic. You know, wanting to be a "man" just like dad so my husband started taking him. So, now my husband takes him to 75% of his clinic visits. Is the anyone else that can take your daughter? Sometimes, they aren't quite so dramatic when Mom isn't there to watch.
Another suggestion is baby/toddler yoga. We heard from some of the nurses at our clinic that some families are doing this with their kids to teach them relaxation and breathing techniques for anxious situations and pain management.
Hi cindy,
One great piece of advice I got from my pediatrician is no matter how scared the child acts, keep saying what a great job they are doing during the doc appoinment. For example, if they are taking her blood and she is screaming her head off, you stay calm and keep saying "what a big girl you are! I'm so proud of you, you are so brave" Eventually they will act the part. Sounds wierd and it doesn't happen overnight but it really works. We did this for my son(no CF) he was so afraid of the doc and we'ld have to physiaclly hold him down for anything. Now he acts brave cause we keep telling him he is. Of course there always is bribery, candy, special treats.... Doing something you only do on clinic day that your child loves, like Burger King getting a new toy whatever, but it only happens on clinic day so it's special and they associate that with clinic.
HTH
Rebecca(mom to sammy7 no CF and MAggie 3 with CF)
One great piece of advice I got from my pediatrician is no matter how scared the child acts, keep saying what a great job they are doing during the doc appoinment. For example, if they are taking her blood and she is screaming her head off, you stay calm and keep saying "what a big girl you are! I'm so proud of you, you are so brave" Eventually they will act the part. Sounds wierd and it doesn't happen overnight but it really works. We did this for my son(no CF) he was so afraid of the doc and we'ld have to physiaclly hold him down for anything. Now he acts brave cause we keep telling him he is. Of course there always is bribery, candy, special treats.... Doing something you only do on clinic day that your child loves, like Burger King getting a new toy whatever, but it only happens on clinic day so it's special and they associate that with clinic.
HTH
Rebecca(mom to sammy7 no CF and MAggie 3 with CF)
debs2girls
New member
I have the same problem with my daughter and get to experience it this afternoon...lol...if you come up with a solution, please share.
<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>reillybug</b></i>
My 2 1/2 yo daughter is terrified of her clinic visits. From the time we walk through the doors to the back, she cries. She screams during blood pressure (so, we often don't get one), weight check, height, everything. We have tried everything in an attempt to distract her. I bought a set of scales for her to "practice" on. She is still scared of them, but will get closer and sometimes will get on them. I also bought a stethascope to practice with, and she seems to be doing a little better, but the actual day is often really tough. We go back on the 26th of this month, and will have to have labwork drawn, so it will definately be a difficult day. Does anyone have any tips or tricks to help her adjust better?</end quote></div>
Our daughter is 2 1/2 also. She went through a bad patch, but (dare I say it) has been a lot better since my husband has been coming to Clinic with us. I'm sure there'll be bad times again, but I try and chill out when I go (I tell you easier said than done) but she seems calmer if I am. We gotta stethascope too. Don't be 2 hard on yourself, you sound as if you're doing absolutely fine, even if you don't think you are yourself. Do you take your daughter on your own, or does someone go with you?
Charlotte<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif" border="0">
My 2 1/2 yo daughter is terrified of her clinic visits. From the time we walk through the doors to the back, she cries. She screams during blood pressure (so, we often don't get one), weight check, height, everything. We have tried everything in an attempt to distract her. I bought a set of scales for her to "practice" on. She is still scared of them, but will get closer and sometimes will get on them. I also bought a stethascope to practice with, and she seems to be doing a little better, but the actual day is often really tough. We go back on the 26th of this month, and will have to have labwork drawn, so it will definately be a difficult day. Does anyone have any tips or tricks to help her adjust better?</end quote></div>
Our daughter is 2 1/2 also. She went through a bad patch, but (dare I say it) has been a lot better since my husband has been coming to Clinic with us. I'm sure there'll be bad times again, but I try and chill out when I go (I tell you easier said than done) but she seems calmer if I am. We gotta stethascope too. Don't be 2 hard on yourself, you sound as if you're doing absolutely fine, even if you don't think you are yourself. Do you take your daughter on your own, or does someone go with you?
Charlotte<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif" border="0">
I can remember being hospitalized when I was about 3 --- I was out fishing with my dad & brother and woke up in the ER with people (strangers) asking me questions. I'd had an allergic reaction to mosquito bites and passed out. They were afraid I had encephalitis. I spent several days in a private room at the hospital -- I can remember yelling for my mom in the middle of the night. The following week we went to visit my grandparents and I was terrified of grandma because she worked in a nursing home and was wearing a white uniform and white shoes. I KNEW it was grandma, but in my head I was terried because of the uniform. No logic involved, just pure fear and no one could reason with me. Hopefully this too shall pass. Your child will realize she doesn't have anything to fear -- that is if she has good experiences at the clinic -- stickers?
L
L
Usually, her Dad (we're separated) and my Mom go to clinic. We try to rotate who holds her, but it doesn't usually help. I try to be very upbeat and positive, telling her what a good girl she is, that they will be done in a minute, etc. but she doesn't seem to care. I think it all started the first visit that she had bloodwork done. My thought is that now she fears they will stick her with a needle. (They had to poke her 6 or 7 times to get blood last time - NOT a pleasant experience.) She is also afraid of bandaids now. I can't get near her with one. I even got the fancy Barbie ones, but it doesn't matter. She does like stickers, so I will try that. Keep the advise coming! Thanks!
I say just give it time. My dd (6), no cf, had an allergic reaction at 2-1/2 that caused hives and vomitting. I didn't have my contacts in (middle of the night) and didn't realize she had broken out in hives (yes, I am blind w/o them plus she has eczema so rough skin anyway). Anyway, after she threw up the 4th time, I stuck her in a bath with a bar of soap. It must have stung because she refused to take a bath for several months (did showers only). It was a full 2 years literally before she stopped screaming if she saw a bar of soap in the bathtub. When I realized it was an allergic reaction and we went to the ER, they drew blood (took 2 techs and me to hold her down and a total of 3 different nurses to get the blood plus numerous sticks). They also gave her 3 shots and an IV. The poor kid was terrified of needles and doctors for a long time after. She did eventually adjust though with a lot of time, patience, and bribery<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif" border="0">
Good luck!
Good luck!
Cindy,
My son (no CF) hates band-aids too. I think they hurt more than the shot. So, you really don't need a band-aid for most Things. Just hold the guaze after they give the shot/take blood for 5 min then don't put a band aid on. Band-aids hurt so much when you pull them off so I don't even let the lab tech put then on in the first place.
REbecca
My son (no CF) hates band-aids too. I think they hurt more than the shot. So, you really don't need a band-aid for most Things. Just hold the guaze after they give the shot/take blood for 5 min then don't put a band aid on. Band-aids hurt so much when you pull them off so I don't even let the lab tech put then on in the first place.
REbecca
My 3 year old was the same way until somewhere around 2 1/2. It was caused I'm certain by all the shots: between normal pediatrician visits, synagis 2 winters, hospitalization for 3 weeks, etc. he came to assume a needle came with every visit and started fussing as the car turned the corner to the hospital or pediatrician's office. He's been much better since all the needles stopped and now his remaining fear is the throat culture jab. Just last week he pretty much did the whole visit on his own with the Dr. and his throat culture complaints evaporated quickly with the help of some water and snacks afterwards.
At our clinic during the bad times, the staff would take off their white coats and my wife and I would try to distract him into playing with things we brought or that were in the office; honestly, it really did not help much and usually I ended up taking him out to the hallways to roam as soon as the measurements got done while my wife did the talking parts of the visit. Probably having some control over things is useful - i.e. now he gets to march up and stand on the scale more or less when he's ready to do it and knows how to work most of the equipment they use - which they let him do somewhat.
At our clinic during the bad times, the staff would take off their white coats and my wife and I would try to distract him into playing with things we brought or that were in the office; honestly, it really did not help much and usually I ended up taking him out to the hallways to roam as soon as the measurements got done while my wife did the talking parts of the visit. Probably having some control over things is useful - i.e. now he gets to march up and stand on the scale more or less when he's ready to do it and knows how to work most of the equipment they use - which they let him do somewhat.
thefrogprincess
New member
Get her a kids doctor set. Let her examine you and anyone else who is around. You might even try getting a cheap blood pressure cuff and use it on yourself in front of her. My friend had similar issues when trying to get his son's hair cut. He would scream bloody murder. Until one day my friend handed him some scissors and let him cut dad's hair. Of course dad then had to shave his head but it worked.
Cindy,
I also thought of EMLA cream. IF your child needs to have blood drawn, they can put this cream on, supposed to numb the skin so they don't feel the blood draw. You can get a script for it from your doc , it needs to be applied I think like a half hour before the blood is taken for it to work(don't quote me on the time). Or request they use it and not just stick your daughter repeatedly. Just a thought, I think it's like novacaine(as long as your daughter is not allergic).
REbecca
Amy,
BTW, I love jelly bellies too if I bought some for my daughter I'ld probobly eat them aLL!
I also thought of EMLA cream. IF your child needs to have blood drawn, they can put this cream on, supposed to numb the skin so they don't feel the blood draw. You can get a script for it from your doc , it needs to be applied I think like a half hour before the blood is taken for it to work(don't quote me on the time). Or request they use it and not just stick your daughter repeatedly. Just a thought, I think it's like novacaine(as long as your daughter is not allergic).
REbecca
Amy,
BTW, I love jelly bellies too if I bought some for my daughter I'ld probobly eat them aLL!
rebekahphillips
New member
Do you have a doctor kit that is made for children as oppose to the actuall thing? Maybe you can get a child's doctor kit and let your child be the doctor and play doctor with a stuffed animal. How much do you talk to your child?
My son used to be that way when he was that age. Me, my husband and daughter always go with to clinic every 3 months. I think he started associating trips to the city with - going to the mall - play, shop and then eat at his favorite place. We do that every time. Now he is 9 years old - we actually have fun at the appointments - the last time the nurse and doc thought we were all crazy - I guess he just learned to make the best of it. When they take blood (the last few years) he says - "Oh is that all - that didn't hurt!" The macho thing - although he still hates the throat swabs. I do think that it helps to have his dad with. Good luck - I know every kid is different - but my son did cry probably the first 3-4 years of his life. But we were there to comfort him!!
Mother of 9 yr old boy wcf
Mother of 9 yr old boy wcf
Does she have a favorite animal? Maybe she could bring it and they could do whatever they are going to do to her to the animal first. She could put it on the scale and maybe they could create a growth chart for the bear. She could tell them it is okay to listen to the bear and look at it, then they could ask her if they could do the same to her. Maybe if they ask her and involve her in the process she won't feel as threatened.
Our son is almost 2 and I'm wondering how he will do this time around. He is getting more aware of everything now as well. So many good ideas for all of you, I might have to come back here in a few months and reread all the suggestions if Ben starts resisting visits too. Right now it is me who needs the special treats and such to get through them. I still have hospital flashbacks when we go!
Warmly,
Jody
Our son is almost 2 and I'm wondering how he will do this time around. He is getting more aware of everything now as well. So many good ideas for all of you, I might have to come back here in a few months and reread all the suggestions if Ben starts resisting visits too. Right now it is me who needs the special treats and such to get through them. I still have hospital flashbacks when we go!
Warmly,
Jody
I work in a family practice office, so I am on the recieving end of this on the days I work with the pediatric doctors. Something I've noticed is that parents will request a certain corpsman (medical assistant/nurse) come do their childs vitals, if that corpsman is available.
It's not always possible to get the person you ask for, or rather, the person your child seems to like the best but I know that when it happens in my office, there is much less screaming.
I have certain families that always ask for me and when I take their children back, all is well. Sometimes though, I'm with another patient and just can't come out and the family can't wait as it would set the dr's. schedule back too far. Those same kids that are angels for me, are screaming all the way back with someone else. And vice versa as well, I get the ones screaming all the way back with me, but they are laughing and giggling with the other corpsman.
Just another possible idea, from someone on the other end of this <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
It's not always possible to get the person you ask for, or rather, the person your child seems to like the best but I know that when it happens in my office, there is much less screaming.
I have certain families that always ask for me and when I take their children back, all is well. Sometimes though, I'm with another patient and just can't come out and the family can't wait as it would set the dr's. schedule back too far. Those same kids that are angels for me, are screaming all the way back with someone else. And vice versa as well, I get the ones screaming all the way back with me, but they are laughing and giggling with the other corpsman.
Just another possible idea, from someone on the other end of this <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
JennifersHope
New member
Hi,
I was reading though some of the ideas and I thought they were all really good. I work in a pediatric emergency room a few days a week what I have learned in school and also what I have found to work is honesty with the kids. Even at this age. According to the "text books" kids that age do best with letting them explore the items such as what you did, with the blood pressure cuff, and other items the nurse is going to use. When I take the kids blood pressure. I try to do moms first, the teddy bears, or who evers. I never just do something.. No matter how busy I am.... I try to present unhurried...For blood pressure I always tell them... you arm is going to get a squeeze just like a big hug.. etc. Let them know what is going on.
What I have found works for me is honesty. I always get down on the kids eye level, speak to them according to their age etc. It is best if the nurse doesn't have a rushed attitude and gives the kid time to warm up to them. ALso, giving a toddler one of two choices works for me, ( not giving them a yes or no option) such as which ear can I stick the thermometer in? What arm can my machine hug? When I have to give a shot, I always tell them, one "ouchie" and done... I never lie to a kid and say it isn't going to hurt if it is, but I tell them it will hurt for one minute and then they will feel better.
I don't know about your CF clinic but at mine, I go to a different area for my blood work.. I would get all lab work done on the way out after the visit. Maybe you can try prepping your daughter by saying we are going to see the doctor..Maybe take her to get ice cream in the cafe after she is done..Tell her if she is able to cooperate she will be rewarded with whatever.. sticker.....toy... help her to associate some positive experieces with clinic. I know someone who brings a portable DVD player and lets her kid watch a certain movie only when they are at clinic etc...
Good luck
Jennifer
I was reading though some of the ideas and I thought they were all really good. I work in a pediatric emergency room a few days a week what I have learned in school and also what I have found to work is honesty with the kids. Even at this age. According to the "text books" kids that age do best with letting them explore the items such as what you did, with the blood pressure cuff, and other items the nurse is going to use. When I take the kids blood pressure. I try to do moms first, the teddy bears, or who evers. I never just do something.. No matter how busy I am.... I try to present unhurried...For blood pressure I always tell them... you arm is going to get a squeeze just like a big hug.. etc. Let them know what is going on.
What I have found works for me is honesty. I always get down on the kids eye level, speak to them according to their age etc. It is best if the nurse doesn't have a rushed attitude and gives the kid time to warm up to them. ALso, giving a toddler one of two choices works for me, ( not giving them a yes or no option) such as which ear can I stick the thermometer in? What arm can my machine hug? When I have to give a shot, I always tell them, one "ouchie" and done... I never lie to a kid and say it isn't going to hurt if it is, but I tell them it will hurt for one minute and then they will feel better.
I don't know about your CF clinic but at mine, I go to a different area for my blood work.. I would get all lab work done on the way out after the visit. Maybe you can try prepping your daughter by saying we are going to see the doctor..Maybe take her to get ice cream in the cafe after she is done..Tell her if she is able to cooperate she will be rewarded with whatever.. sticker.....toy... help her to associate some positive experieces with clinic. I know someone who brings a portable DVD player and lets her kid watch a certain movie only when they are at clinic etc...
Good luck
Jennifer
ehtansky21
New member
I often bring our portable DVD player to our clinic appointments and let Ethan watch a movie while everything is going on.
I also just tried at our pediatrician appointment this month bringing my little MP3 player. While the nurse was preparing his immunization shot, I distracted him with Nemo and Tigger songs. It worked like a charm.
Hope this helps,
Missa
I also just tried at our pediatrician appointment this month bringing my little MP3 player. While the nurse was preparing his immunization shot, I distracted him with Nemo and Tigger songs. It worked like a charm.
Hope this helps,
Missa