Is there any way that I can help my son not be afraid to go to the doctor?

Question

He is four years old and he just curls up on my lap and won't even look at the dr. When we went last week he had to have his mouth looked at and he wouldn't cooperate, so we finally had to hold him down and force him, which I know isn't good, but we didn't have a choice. Actually he is the same getting his hair cut, though we don't force him there, just mostly bribery and even then he isn't happy about getting it done. He is also supposed to go for his first dentist appointment in October and I know it will be the same thing. Help!!!

Answer 1

They are strangers to him, and this is a good response because it will help him stay away from others he doesn't know. Sometimes just talking to him about going to the doctor will help, but I would also role play and let him be the dentist/doctor. Let him be in control and look in your eyes, ears, and mouth. Read a book about going to the doctor. Tell him about the tooth fairy, and that the dentist works for her.

Answer 2

I use to "play" dentist with my boys when they were 3-4 years old when I knew they would be going to the dentist for the first time. We'd do the whole doctor thing, mouth exams and I would tell them what to expect. That worked like a charm! Start playing doctor at home, or barber shop and let him be the doctor or barber. He's getting alot of attention by not cooperating so this might help you both.

Answer 3

Ask if your Doctor/dentist will show him the things they use and let him handle them and see how they work. My youngest was afraid and his pediatrician did this, it opened him up and he let him do his job.... .He still doesn't like shots!

Answer 4

tell him some funny stories about when you went to the doctor, how much fun it was to find out certain things. how you laughed and laughed and had such a good time.

make it fun.