Helping Kids Feel Brave at the Doctor’s Office
Flippy's Guide to Doctor Visits
It’s normal for children to feel nervous about doctor visits! Unfamiliar places and tools can feel overwhelming. With a little preparation and support, you can help turn fear into confidence and curiosity. This guide shares expert tips to help your child feel safe, supported, and ready for their next checkup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my child refuses to go into the office?
Stay calm and patient. Give your child a chance to express what’s worrying them. Offer choices where possible, like holding a favorite toy or deciding who goes in first. Reassure them that you’ll stay together and that the visit is to help keep them healthy.
How do I prepare a toddler versus a school-age child?
Toddlers benefit from simple, reassuring language (e.g., “The doctor will listen to your heart”). Keep explanations brief and focus on comfort items like a stuffed animal. For older kids, explain more about what to expect and answer their questions honestly. Role-play and books work well at this age.
What if my child is afraid of shots?
Be truthful and don’t promise “no shots” if one might happen. Let them know it will be quick, and focus on what they can do (take deep breaths, hold a hand, look at a favorite toy). Distractions like singing or watching a video can help during the shot. Consider Flippy Learns about Shots.
How can I help my child stay calm during the visit?
Bring familiar items (toy, blanket), and use calming strategies like slow breathing (“Let’s blow out birthday candles together”). Offer praise for small brave steps, like sitting on the exam table or answering a question. Stay as calm as you can, kids notice!
When should I seek extra help for doctor visit fears?
If your child’s fear is very intense, lasts for months, or leads to panic, avoidance, or distress at home, talk with your pediatrician. Child-life specialists or therapists can provide tools and gradual steps to help ease those fears.
Join Our Support Community
Looking for more tips and encouragement?
We invite you to join our Facebook group:
Support for Kids Afraid of Doctors and Shots
This is a friendly space where parents and caregivers share ideas, ask questions, and find guidance from others who understand what it’s like to support a child through medical visits. We post helpful tips, free resources, and ways to help kids feel brave, informed, and supported.
A Message from the Author
From My Family to Yours...
As both a father and a pediatric nurse practitioner, I know how hard it can be to see a child feel anxious about doctors, shots, or medical visits. I’ve experienced it with my own children — and I’ve walked alongside many families facing the same challenges in my work.
That’s why I created Flippy the Penguin’s Big Brave Health Adventures™. This series, along with the free resources in this guide, is here to help children feel braver, more informed, and supported. My hope is that these tools spark meaningful conversations, ease fears, and even bring a bit of fun and curiosity to medical moments.
At the heart of it all, our mission is simple: to help kids feel safe, seen, and strong — and to remind them that courage isn’t about not feeling scared. It’s about finding small, brave ways to face those feelings, together.
Thank you for welcoming Flippy into your family. I hope this guide brings comfort and confidence as you and your child navigate medical adventures side by side.