Annual checkups and kiddos


Bini
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In the past, my daughter was young enough that she could lay in her carseat during my annual check-ups, and when she outgrew that, my husband was able to sit with her in the waiting area. Unfortunately, the latter is not an option anymore. So for those of you with young children that need pretty much constant supervision, how do you manage doctor appointments? I am seeing a new doctor right now, and their office does have a play area for children, but I'm not about to leave a toddler out there unattended. My daughter is very independent and curious. My two concerns are: I can't guarantee her conduct without my supervision - and - I wonder if she's at an age where my physical exams might be a bit much for her to sit in on.

 

Suggestions? I know every child is different.

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If I can't get a sitter, mine comes with me.  In the room.

 

When I was pregnant with the 2nd one, my 1st one gets to hold the scope and listen to the heartbeat...

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My kids have always come with me. Try to bring a toy or something engaging for them (electronic devices are extremely useful in situations like this!). My main issue with my kids when they were little was keeping them from pulling out the drawers of swabs and stuff. I usually took one of the patient chairs and parked it right in front of the drawers, and sat on it while we waited for the Dr. then left it there when it was time for me to get onto the exam table. Some Dr's will have their nurses stay in the room to help keep the kiddos from doing anything dangerous or destructive while you're having your exam done. I think most offices are used to this kind of situation.

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Speaking as a patient w/out kids, I picked a Dr who didn't overbook to the extent where there were over 4 patients in the waiting room at a time, with their attendant family member(s).

 

If there was a mother with a toddler waiting to see the Dr, then that didn't bother me - but the mother with a friend and three toddlers - and only the mother is the patient - then THAT bothered me. The friend can take the children outside, sit in the car or better yet stay at the house.

 

Ask your Dr's nurse(s) &/or receptionist what the Dr would prefer. It is HIS office, etc., and if he is disrupted or annoyed with a child bouncing around, he may not tell you, but his employees will - if asked. 

 

Also as a patient w/out children (never had any) I made ALL of my appointments to be the first. 8 am is generally way too early for mothers w/babies-toddlers. Plus nearly all of my visits require fasting blood draws. 

 

Is your daughter less hyper in the mornings? Or less hyper after lunch?  Can husband watch her at his office for the hour or two that you need for your appointment? 

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I don't have anyone nearby to babysit. I can handle keeping her with me. Just not sure how she'll do when she's not on my lap, and free roaming without supervision, so to speak. I totally spaced the nurse/assistant that might be able to watch her for a moment.

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I don't have anyone nearby to babysit. I can handle keeping her with me. Just not sure how she'll do when she's not on my lap, and free roaming without supervision, so to speak. I totally spaced the nurse/assistant that might be able to watch her for a moment.

 

Bini, being able to be non-destructively independent is a life-skill one needs to be teaching their children very very young.

 

If you're not sure how she'll do - you'll need to teach her so you'll know with more confidence than now.  Everything needs practice.

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Anatess, to be honest, I'm really the paranoid type - maybe overprotective - is more of an accurate term. My daughter is super independent, being an only child of course she relies on no one to hold her hand, and she's never been the kid to get into stuff like drawers and whatnot. But I've always liked hovering over her, ensuring this or that, I'm dramatic that way I suppose. DH says I'm way over thinking this. He's assured me that our daughter isn't going to get into or up to anything, she'll just sit there. I think he's right but... but... but... All that said, if she's in the room with me, I think she'll do fine, but I wouldn't leave her unattended outside of my sight like in the play area.

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Anatess, to be honest, I'm really the paranoid type - maybe overprotective - is more of an accurate term. My daughter is super independent, being an only child of course she relies on no one to hold her hand, and she's never been the kid to get into stuff like drawers and whatnot. But I've always liked hovering over her, ensuring this or that, I'm dramatic that way I suppose. DH says I'm way over thinking this. He's assured me that our daughter isn't going to get into or up to anything, she'll just sit there. I think he's right but... but... but... All that said, if she's in the room with me, I think she'll do fine, but I wouldn't leave her unattended outside of my sight like in the play area.

 

I wouldn't leave my kids in the play area while in the docs office either - they don't have daycares - the play area is not for kids to be left there while mom is in the office... now, if the doc's office provide daycare service, then I'd leave my kids there.

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  • 1 month later...

Once I had to take the girls with me when I went to my lupus doc.  I told him I thought my lupus was flaring.  At the time my girls were climbing on the the exam table and jumping off of it.  He didn't think I was fatigued because of my lupus.  He thought I was fatigued because of my daughters.  Turned out it was a combo of both.

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