Children's medical fears Dr Rob Hicks Children may not want to go to the GP's in the first place and, once there, you may find yourself involved in a battle of wills. These coping tactics might be just what the doctor ordered.

In this article

At the surgery

Take the sting out of needles

Giving children medicine

Most children only go to the doctor's surgery when they're sick or need an injection. Is it any wonder, then, that they're less than keen to go again?

Taking your child along to one of your own appointments is a good way of introducing them to the doctor's surgery and play area, and showing them it's not only bad things that happen there.

Let your child take along one or two of their own toys or books, too. This will build up their confidence and help to keep their mind off where they are.

In the consultation itself, talking to a child about a toy is a good way for the GP to gain the child's trust and begin developing a relationship with them.

Playing with toy medical kit at home can also help children learn what to expect when they see the doctor. In this way, a child will often be keen to be examined rather than frightened.

When it comes to giving babies their immunisations, it's often parents who are most worried and upset.

Preschool children are a different matter and preparation at home is vital. It can help to talk through what will happen, perhaps with the help of a children's book written specifically for this purpose.

Teddy, or another favourite toy, can also be a source of encouragement and can have an injection first. If you also need an immunisation, for an upcoming holiday perhaps, you could have yours first to show your child how 'brave' you are.

It's often the practice nurse who gives children their immunisations. This is to help maintain a doctor's good relationship with the child, preventing him becoming the 'nasty doctor' who gave them their injection.

Don't forget to reward your child for having an injection without making a fuss.

Even if a medicine is a nice colour and flavour, you may find your child still refuses to take it. A spoonful of sugar is no longer recommended to help the medicine go down, so what else can you do?

• Give the medicine on your child's favourite spoon - the correct amount can be measured with the medicine spoon and transferred to a spoon your child is familiar and happy with
• Use a small syringe to give the medicine into the mouth - these are available from a pharmacist and are particularly helpful for babies
• Ask the doctor if the medicine comes in suppository form - many medicines do and although giving medicines in this way isn't common in the UK, in many countries it's the preferred form
• Disguise the medicines in food - it's possible for some medicines to be given in this way, but always check with your doctor or pharmacist first

This article was last medically reviewed by Dr Rob Hicks in February 2007.