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When children face their first doctor’s visit, it can be a moment of anxiety and fear. One wonderful way to help children cope with these moments is through play. Many little ones use their stuffed animals, like teddy bears, to take on the role of doctors and patients. This type of play is not only comforting but also helps children process what they will experience during the medical visit.
The benefits of symbolic play are vast, and it is especially valuable when children are learning to understand the world around them, including medical settings. Here are some tips on how parents can use this kind of play to ease their children’s fears:
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Encourage symbolic play at home: Let your child use their stuffed animals to simulate a doctor’s appointment. Use a toy syringe, plastic stethoscope, or even a doctor’s coat to make the experience as realistic as possible.
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Talk about what will happen during the visit: You can explain in simple terms what will happen during the doctor’s visit. Use examples from their toys and explain that the doctor also takes care of the stuffed animals to make them feel better.
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Promote empathy: Encourage your child to “treat” their teddy bear when it’s “sick” so that they can see that doctors are there to help and care, not to cause harm.
These activities can be very useful in helping children feel more at ease before a real check-up. Ultimately, the goal is for children to associate doctor visits with something positive, rather than something scary.
