Anyone else with a 2 year old that HATES doctors or the dentist??

[tryingtobemarrypoppins2]

How do you manage it??

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Does he hate going anywhere else or is it just these two places?

Have you spoken to the dentist - does he/she know how your DS feels about it? Is he like it from going in the waiting room or seeing the places from outside, or is it while you're waiting he hates it? What does he do?

No just the dentist/doctors/hospital. Fine in the waiting room but gets very scared and has a massive tantrum when we go into the room and they shut the door Very embarrising too.

aww, the poor boy, and how annoying for you! I wonder if it's worth phoning your dentist and asking him to take a really gentle approach - I mean, at age 2 most dentists are just getting kids to get used to going rather than giving treatment - would the dentist come down and see your ds in the waiting room? Maybe take DS a new toothbrush along - they can start just by talking and build it up gently?

With the doctor I don't suppose it's appropriate that they come to the waiting room! But could you tell the receptionist about your ds' problem and ensure they ask the doctor not to shut the door? Might help?

Do you think this is 'normal' ??

I don't see why this wouldn't be a completely normal part of toddlerhood - unless he does other things which concern you in some way, I wouldn't worry at all.

Lots of kids have fears of one kind or another. This seems a pretty sensible one, to me - strange room, strange person looking closely at you and closing the door behind you!

That's how I'd see it, anyway.

Has your son had some med problems that means you've been to drs/ hosp a lot? At 2 my ds was a NIGHTMARE at the drs. We couldn't even drive past it without a 'no drs mummy pleaaaassse' cry. God forbid if we had to go he would scream the place down in the waiting room and in the drs office. My mum would have to come. My ds was poorly as a little baby with a significant urine/kidney infec so for about 18 months after we had lots of follow up tests and appointments which led to his reactions. It is normal so please don't worry about that. My gp was v understanding and always told ne he would grow out of it. He is 5 now and never wants to go to the drs but he is happy to go if I explain he needs to be seen to get medicine to help him get better. So it does get better.

Don't worry about the dentist too much. Mine never opened his mouth for them till he was 3, and only then, just enough for them to see that he had teeth! They said they only really counted them before that anyway. As long as you can get him to clean his teeth well twice a day, and don't let him have sugary snacks and drinks all day, his teeth will be fine.

As for the doctors, that's another thing. I think you just have to pin them down (gently!) to have their ears checked etc., then placate with stickers/chocolate buttons/fav toy. It will get better - remember it's all a stage.

Yes he did have lots of tests etc around age 1. I didn't think he would remember though???

My DD hated the Doctor until we bought her a plastic Dr Kit for Xmas. Now she is fine but has to take her own stethoscope along

Dr very accommodating about this thankfully and lets her listen to his chest too! DD had a lot of clinical appointments in her early years (reflux/allergies) so was very upset at the doctors office. However, now she is very compliant and even better if its not me that takes her - my Mum seems to be the best at taking her. (DD is just 3 btw). I think they are always better behaved for someone else other than Mummy. We have preschool jabs coming soon and that is SO a job for DH.

Not managed the dentist yet, too traumatic so are just cleaning madly! Might also be a job for DH.....

Re dentist visits, we watch the Peppa Pig and Charlie and Lola episodes where they visit the dentist.

Re doctors, I second BBF. Buy a play kit/ role play at home with you/ teddies/ dolls.

with ds dentist was easier than doctors and hospital as he didnt have any dental problems so could come with me and just hang about and suss the place out without having to get an examination, eventually (think it took about 4-5 six monthly checkups) he wanted to join in and now dives onto the chair before me. Dentist also was very good, first time he looked in his mouth it was from opposite side of the room, then got closer each time!

doctors and hospital was harder and only think that worked there was bribery.

vv