Pediatrician tips for preparing kids for check-ups
A well-child exam is a time for your child’s primary care provider to check your child’s growth and development, screen for emotional or medical issues, and keep them up to date on vaccines. It’s also an opportunity for you to get your questions answered. But those minutes with your provider can go fast.
Nancy Waller, MD, an M Health Fairview pediatrician, shares a few things to know to help you get the most out of your time in the exam room.
Your child’s provider will want to review a number of issues at each well child visit.
A well-child exam comes with a certain “checklist” of assessments. These will vary by the child’s age, but generally include:
- A physical examination
- Review of your child’s development
- Dental, hearing, vision, and autism or other mental health screenings
- Discussions about eating, sleeping, bathroom habits, and safety
- Vaccines, if they are due for that appointment
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- At a few visits, a lab test
There’s also time for parents or caregivers to ask their questions. Rather than leading up to your most important question, ask it first. Check-ups have limited time for added concerns, so prioritizing can be helpful. “We have a lot of parents who keep a list of questions on their phone,” Waller said. “That works pretty well. We can’t always get to everything, if you have a long list – but we will try our best!”
You might be able to schedule extra time.
If your child has another issue - for instance a rash or a bad cold, you might be able to have that concern addressed at a well child visit. But know that some issues might take longer to address, and might require a second appointment.
That doesn’t always mean you have to come back another day, though. Ask the appointment scheduler for extra time when you call, or send a message to your team before the visit. If there aren’t already patients scheduled before and after your child, we may be able to add extra time to the well check.
Tell your child what to expect.
Every provider does things a little bit differently, but it can be helpful to provide your child with a general idea of what to expect. For older toddlers and preschoolers, it can be helpful to get a doctor play kit and give a doll or teddy bear a check-up.
Here are some things you can explain:
- You might change into a gown. This is so the doctor can do a full body exam and listen to your heart and lungs easily.
- The medical assistants who get you ready will check your height and weight, and might use a blood pressure cuff
- The provider might check your eyes, ears, mouth, and feet.
- They might also feel your belly.
- I’ll be with you the whole time.
It can also be helpful to tell children that the doctor might briefly examine their genital area. Explain that while these are usually private areas, doctors help keep our bodies healthy, and that includes checking the genital area. “You can help prepare your child by using the proper names for those body parts – penis or vagina, for instance” she said. “I say: we know they’re private parts, so we just check the area quickly, once a year, with your parent here.’”
It helps to talk about vaccines.
The thought of getting a shot can make some kids anxious. You know your child best and can decide when to tell them about it.
“Vaccines tend to be most difficult for 4- and 5-year-olds,” Waller said. “But a lot of kids are really brave about them, honestly.”
You can be honest. Tell the child that a shot might hurt for a second or two, but it’s really quick and that the medicine helps prevent them getting some illnesses and can help prevent others – like Grandma and Grandpa – from getting sick. Waller says focusing on a reward for being brave is helpful. For example, they can think about what new stickers they’re going to pick out after the vaccines. Providing a distraction, such as singing a song or saying the ABCs while getting vaccines might help. Parents could consider bringing a treat to give after any shots or lab draws. (Read more tips for helping kids cope with shots.)
If you use the M Health Fairview MyChart app, you can see if your child is due for vaccines or lab work. From the home screen, tap More, then Preventive Care. You can also check the recommendations by age to see what vaccines and lab tests are done routinely. If your child is having a blood draw, explain that it’s just a tiny amount of blood.
Exams change in adolescence.
As children get older, they can take a more active role in their own healthcare. Parents can prepare their children by explaining that their exam is a chance to talk to the doctor about any concerns they have. You can even encourage your child to write down any questions they want to ask.
When a child is between the ages of 12 and 18, their provider will often ask the parent to step out of the room for a few minutes to give the child an opportunity to talk to them on their own. That can be an opportunity to talk about sensitive issues like mental health, substance use, or sexual health concerns.
Minnesota law allows minors to consent to some specific healthcare tests and treatments themselves. There are limits to confidentiality laws - for instance if a child discloses that they feel suicidal, we will involve their trusted adults.
In summary, preparing your child for what will happen at a well child visit can help prevent any worries they might have about going to the clinic.
