Why the Doctor’s Office Doesn’t Have to Be Scary
We all know the scene. You are driving to the doctor’s office, and your child realizes where you are going. Suddenly, the tears start. The anxiety builds up for both of you. As a pediatrician, I see this happen far too often. However, I want you to know that it does not have to be this way. My goal is to change that narrative completely.
I am Dr. Anita Sabeti, and I believe that visiting the doctor should be a positive part of growing up. I have dedicated my practice to creating an environment where children feel safe, heard, and cared for. When I talk about providing stress-free pediatric checkups, I am not just using a buzzword. I am talking about a carefully designed approach that considers your child’s emotions just as much as their physical health. Let me take you through exactly how I make this happen.
Setting the Stage: The Atmosphere Matters
The experience begins the moment you walk through our doors. I know that a cold, sterile waiting room can make anyone nervous. That is why I have designed my office to feel warm and welcoming. We use bright colors and have plenty of distractions. I want your child to feel like they are visiting a friendly place, not a scary institution.
My staff plays a huge role here. From the front desk to the nurses, everyone on my team is trained to interact with children. We smile. We make eye contact. We ask your child about their day or their favorite toy. When a child sees their parents interacting calmly and happily with my staff, it sends a signal to their brain that they are safe. This simple step is the foundation of stress-free pediatric checkups.
My “Child-First” Communication Style
One of the biggest mistakes adults make is talking over a childās head. When I enter the exam room, I usually greet the child first, not the parent. This might seem small, but it is powerful. It tells the child, “I see you, and you are the most important person in this room.”
For toddlers and younger children, I might get down on their level. Standing tall in a white coat can be intimidating to a three-year-old. By sitting on a low stool or even crouching down, I become less of a giant and more of a friend. I use a soft voice and a lot of encouragement. Building trust takes time, but it is worth every second.
The “Tell-Show-Do” Technique
Fear often comes from the unknown. To combat this, I use a method called “Tell-Show-Do.” It works exactly like it sounds:
- Tell: I explain what I am going to do in simple words. For example, “I am going to listen to your heart beat.”
- Show: I demonstrate the tool. I might put the stethoscope on your hand or let the child hold it. I might listen to a stuffed animal’s heart first.
- Do: Only after the child is comfortable do I perform the exam.
This method removes the surprise factor. When a child knows what is coming, they feel more in control. Feeling in control is the key to keeping anxiety low.
The Exam: Gentle and Quick
I have performed thousands of physical exams, which allows me to be both thorough and quick. I know how to move through the necessary steps without making the child feel poked and prodded for too long. I often save the most invasive parts of the examālike looking in the ears or checking the throatāfor the very end. By the time we get to those steps, we have already established a rapport.
I also encourage parents to be involved. For babies and toddlers, the exam table can feel high and lonely. I am more than happy to examine your child while they sit safely in your lap. The comfort of a parentās hug can make a world of difference. This flexibility is a core part of how I deliver stress-free pediatric checkups.
Handling the “Ouch” Moments
Let’s be honest: shots are the hardest part. Vaccines are vital for your child’s health, but nobody likes getting poked. I do not lie to children. If they ask if it will hurt, I do not say “no.” I say, “It will feel like a tiny pinch for just a second, and then it is all done.”
We use specific techniques to minimize the pain. This includes:
- Distraction: We might use bubbles, a spinning toy, or a funny story to distract the brain right when the injection happens.
- Coughing: Sometimes I ask older kids to give a big cough right at the moment of the shot. Surprisingly, this helps distract the nervous system.
- Speed: My team is skilled and fast. The anticipation is usually much worse than the actual event.
After it is over, we celebrate immediately. Stickers, praise, and high-fives help shift the brain from “pain mode” to “reward mode” instantly.
The Difference in My Approach
To help you understand how my practice operates differently compared to a standard, high-volume clinic, I have put together this comparison chart. This highlights the specific changes I have implemented to prioritize your child’s mental well-being.
| Standard Clinic Experience | Dr. Sabeti’s Stress-Free Experience |
|---|---|
| Focus is strictly on efficiency and speed. | Focus is on the childās comfort and emotional state. |
| Exams are often done on the high table. | Exams can be done on the parent’s lap or the floor. |
| Doctor speaks mostly to the parent. | I speak directly to the child to build trust first. |
| “Surprise” exams without explanation. | “Tell-Show-Do” method removes the fear of the unknown. |
| Sterile, clinical environment. | Warm, colorful, and inviting atmosphere. |
Empowering Parents to Help
I view the parent-doctor relationship as a partnership. You are the expert on your child, and I am the expert on their health. We work best when we work together. A big part of making the visit easy happens before you even arrive at my office.
I encourage parents to speak positively about the doctor at home. Avoid using the doctor as a threat (e.g., “If you don’t behave, the doctor will give you a shot”). Instead, read books about visiting the doctor or play “doctor” at home with a toy kit. When you arrive, your own calm energy will help your child relax. Children are like sponges; they absorb your emotions. If you are anxious, they will be too. If you are calm and trust me, they will feel that safety.
For more great tips on preparing your child for a visit, I recommend reading this article from the American Academy of Pediatrics on making doctor visits easier. It aligns perfectly with my philosophy.
Routine Checks for Teenagers
As children grow into teenagers, the source of stress changes. They aren’t afraid of the stethoscope anymore; they are worried about privacy and judgment. My approach to stress-free pediatric checkups evolves with them.
For my teen patients, I ensure they have time to speak with me alone. This gives them a safe space to ask questions about their changing bodies or mental health without their parents present. I treat them with the respect due to young adults. I listen more than I lecture. By validating their feelings and concerns, I help them take ownership of their own health. This reduces the awkwardness and stress that many teens feel during medical visits.
Why Consistency is Key
Seeing the same doctor every time helps reduce stress significantly. When you visit a large clinic, you might see a different provider every visit. In my practice, I am the constant. I watch your baby grow into a toddler, a school-aged child, and a teen.
Because I know your child’s medical history and personality, I can tailor the visit to them. I remember if they are ticklish. I remember if they love dinosaurs or if they are shy. This personal connection eliminates the “stranger danger” aspect of the visit. Your child isn’t going to see “a doctor”; they are coming to see Dr. Sabeti.
Addressing Special Needs
I also have a deep passion for working with children who have special needs, including autism or sensory processing disorders. For these patients, a standard doctor’s visit can be overwhelming. I am always willing to make accommodations.
If we need to dim the lights, we can. If we need to schedule a longer appointment time so we don’t have to rush, we will do that. If your child has a specific sensory trigger, please tell me. My goal is to work around their needs to ensure the checkup is successful and non-traumatic. Flexibility is essential in providing true care.
An Investment in Future Health
You might wonder why I put so much effort into the emotional side of a physical exam. The answer is simple. If a child has a terrible, scary experience at the doctor, they grow up fearing medical care. This can lead to adults who avoid the doctor, ignore symptoms, and neglect their health.
By ensuring stress-free pediatric checkups now, I am helping your child build a healthy relationship with healthcare that will last a lifetime. I want them to view doctors as helpers and partners. I want them to understand that taking care of their body is a positive thing.
My Promise to Your Family
I know that trusting someone with your child’s health is a big decision. I do not take that responsibility lightly. Every time you step into my office, I strive to make the experience as smooth and happy as possible.
We will laugh, we will chat, and we will get through the medical necessities with a gentle touch. Whether it is a routine wellness check, a sports physical, or a sick visit, my approach remains the same. I am here to support you and your child with patience and empathy. Together, we can take the fear out of the doctor’s office and replace it with confidence and health.
