Overcome Fear of the Doctor

Do you find yourself running into a corner when you hear the words "doctor's appointment"? If so, you may have a fear of the doctor. Read on to overcome this fear.

Steps

 * 1)  Realize they're there to help. No, they're not secretly putting disease causing bacteria in your shot. The only reason you get those tests is to prevent disease. No one wants you to become seriously ill, so they send you to a doctor. It's a good thing you get to go to the doctor. Many children would gladly go to the doctor if they had enough money, because a doctor helps you in so many ways.
 * 2)  [[Image:Talking 7905.jpg|right|200px]]Develop a good relationship with your doctor. No one wants a total stranger to be checking under their panties to make sure everything is in place. The first few appointments are bound to be awkward, especially when he checks some "private areas". Try talking to your doctor about everyday things, for instance: ask if he has any plans for the weekend, if he has any pets, or his favourite foods. These are the most typical conversation starters. If a holiday is coming up, get him a present. A nice fruit basket would be nice on any occasion.
 * 3)  [[Image:The evil eye 5311.jpg|thumb|Don't stretch things until they seem horrible…|200px]]Avoid thinking of the doctor as a bad thing. If you frequently think of words like "horrible", "terrible", or "scary" after thinking of the word "doctor", you need to stop. Catch yourself when you do this, and instead think of words like "great", "wonderful", and "helpful". This will trick your mind into believing it is these things, (which it is!).
 * 4)  [[Image:Tools 7279.jpg|200px|right]]Take a tour of the doctor's office. Make an appointment one day, explaining that you'd just like to walk around the office to get to know it. This especially helps children, because they don't see the doctor the same day they first see the office. If you're doing this for your child, explain that to the secretary while making the appointment so you don't seem suspicious.
 * 5)  [[Image:Lollipop 2075.jpg|right|200px]]Bring a lollipop, and give it to the doctor. If you don't think the doctor has candy to give, give the lollipop to him while your child isn't looking. When the child and the doctor first meet, ask the doctor to say something like, "Hi, Suzie! I have a lollipop for you!". This will relieve much of the tension between the doctor and the child. But be aware that this won't work if you're an adult.

Tips

 * See if the doctor has any toys to give to the children, and rearrange it so your child's favourite toy will be on top.

Warnings

 * Make sure you give your child the idea that the doctor is a good thing when they're little, or they could end up skipping appointments once they're older.

Related Tips and Steps

 * How to Encourage Your Child to Be a Doctor when Grown up
 * How to Become a Doctor
 * How to Find a Doctor
 * How to Become a Fan of "Doctor Who"