Toddlers at appointments

[Yellowflower123]

Hello!

I'm not one to ask but I'm really struggling to work out the answer to this one!

I have a nearly 2.5 year old, currently pregnant with my second, and so have had quite a few blood tests etc.

My toddler is great at waiting around for appointments, keeps busy with toys etc, fine walking the actual appointment with me, will watch a blood test being done and not bat an eyelid. However, once we get up to leave the Nurse/Doctor's room, she will have a MASSIVE meltdown. Screaming, crying, throwing herself to the floor etc. And I really don't understand why.

She's a shy child so you'd think leaving was her favourite thing? Ha! (I don't think she even wants to stay!)

Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you.

P.s. I've tried to say after we've seen the nurse, we're going to have an ice cream etc (and followed through!) But nothing seems to help the meltdown.

Sounds like the appointment is overwhelming for her.

I know you've tried ice creams but maybe leaving a favourite toy in the car with a treat might help. Right before the appointment finishes you could try saying, 'Remember, Blinky's in the car with your cake. Shall we go and get it?'

Thank you so much. I'm going to give that a go! Really appreciate it.

I'd try getting the nurse of doctor on board discretely....them giving her a little job like carrying something to the car, could be an empty envelope! Or asking her to put this plaster on Mummy when you get to the car because she's such a helpful girl.