Undergoing a medical exam can be daunting, even for adults — but more so for your young ones. As a parent, you want your child to get the best possible medical care while making sure that he experiences the slightest amount of discomfort or pain. If your child is scheduled for any type of medical exam at a diagnostic facility, here are some tips that you can follow to help keep him at ease or even minimise some of the discomfort your child may experience.
Let your child know what to expect
Some parents try to coax their children to go to the laboratory by telling them that the procedure the kids will undergo won't hurt. The problem here is that you are essentially making a promise to your child. Instead of telling your child that the test won't hurt, help him set realistic expectations. And as your child braves the procedure, offer him words of praise that can help him get settled down quickly.
Your child's best foot forward
Another way to make it easier for both you and your son is to make sure that your young one is ready for the exam. Avoid scheduling a medical exam during the times when your child is most likely to be tired, hungry or sleepy.
Practise
It would also be beneficial to know beforehand what the medical exam will entail. In particular, you would like to know ahead whether blood would be drawn. Knowing which procedures your son will have to undergo will help you prepare him for the actual test through practise and make the whole process quicker and more convenient for all the parties involved.
Make the necessary preparations
Another way to ensure that you get in and out of the lab as quickly as possible is to perform all the preliminary actions outside of the lab or at home. For example, for the collection of urine samples, it would be beneficial if the child gets plenty to drink before going into the lab.
Bring a favourite toy or book
It would greatly benefit the child if he goes into the lab in a relaxed state of mind. Keep his anxiety at bay by bringing his favourite toys or books.
Be there
After all the preparations and pep talk you have with your child, the most important thing that you can do is to make him feel that you are with him all throughout the process, ready to give love and support.