Doctor appointments are rarely fun for anyone, but for a parent, it can be much more stressful. As a child, I can remember holding onto my mother’s arm tightly. Like many kids I feared getting shots. My mother would of course tell me I wasn’t. But somewhere deep down inside I didn’t believe her. And that was with good reason. Once the doctor did his/her basic look over the nurse would soon follow with a tray of shots. I vowed that when I had kids that I’d never do that.
Of course, in hindsight, now being a parent I can certainly understand the appeal. I used to avoid telling my kids about their appointments until it was the day of. In hopes that it would save me from the daily worrisome questions and nervous countdowns. For my oldest two, however, I have come to learn that a little heads up is good. They get to panic at home so they can appear calm in the office.
In truth, my oldest two have come a long way. They had me breaking out in nervous sweats at the doctor’s office in the past. But they act much more mature. Questions about what they’re going in for, and how many shots to expect have become the norm. After which they comment on a slight pain in that area or on how quickly it all went. As I schedule a future follow-up, they walk out of the office with their heads held high at having completed another successful check up. So my nervous have somewhat calm down when it comes to going to appointments with them. But as for the younger two, let’s just say that there’s room for improvement.
My seven-year-old has been known to pull the needle right out of her arm. Then replied to the nurse a simple, no thank you.That imagine is burned into my brain and still causes my stomach to turn. As for the baby’s (or should I say toddler’s) appointments, well I never know what I’ll get. If she’s in a foul mood, the tears will start when the nurse tries to get her weigh or check her height. Apparently, she’s sensitive to those personal inquiries. But on a good day, she’ll save the waterfall of tears and nails on a chalkboard screams for the very last shot.
Doctor appointments can be a little tough for everyone involved, but don’t let it get you down. But I find comfort knowing that I’m going through all of this so they can have a chance at living a healthy life.
So with the summer quickly approaching its end. And endless doctor, dental, and eye appointments taking its place I just remind myself of two things. This too shall pass, and get the vent coffee.