2 Year Old Checkup

By: Christine Cox (aka Choosy Mom)

If you ask a parent what place their children are most likely to remember they probably wouldn’t say the doctor’s office. My daughter knew where she was and what was coming as soon as we got into the waiting room for her 2 year wellness visit and checkup. I never remember the shot schedule or what to expect at each checkup so I hope that by me telling you about each of my daughter’s checkup visits (from this point on) you will know at least what is coming for your children who are the same age and you can help calm them before the storm. Remember that each physician is different so what we experienced may not be the same for you. I would love to hear what was different so be sure to leave me a note in the comment section below.

The first things the nurse wanted to check was my daughter’s height and weight. Well, go figure since she knew where she was, she didn’t want to stand on the scale alone so I had to stand on it with her and then just weigh myself (horrifying for any mom to see what number is on the scale but remember, it is your child’s checkup, not yours!) And then the tears began to stream when she was laid on the table for her height check. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the worst part of the visit…

The doctor then came in and my daughter, who is not normally shy, hid her face and wouldn’t say a word to her. The doctor asked her where her nose, eyes and ears were and she just ignored her! After a few minutes of questioning, my daughter finally showed the doctor where her Mickey figurine’s eyes, ears and nose were so the doctor was satisfied that she knew body parts (and she does!) Next, the doctor asked her what a dog says. We have two dogs and they bark ALL of the time - she knows what a dog says but wouldn’t tell the doctor. Again, after asking her about several animals she said, “Cow goes moo,” all on her own without the cow ever being one of the animals asked. I had to laugh because it was a little sassy but she was tired of being in that room. Side note: wouldn’t you know that when we were pulling in our driveway after the visit she said to me, “Mommy, dog goes ruff ruff.” Yup, she knows her animals.

The doctor then wanted to check my daughter’s eyes, ears, nose and mouth but she closed her eyes, covered her nose and wouldn’t open her mouth. After that struggle, I was relieved to hear she wasn’t getting any shots at the 2 year appointment. (Know that if they would’ve had the flu shot available, she would’ve received it at this visit so be aware of that). However, the nurse did do a lead test which meant they had to prick my daughter’s finger to get a blood sample. I think her world was going to end, and mine too from the tears, screaming and squirming. But after the blood, sweat and tears, we were all done!

The doctors and nurses try to make appointments fast and easy for both the children and parents. And as expected, each visit will get easier as the child gets older and is able to understand the visit better. I wish for your children have an easy time at their next wellness visit and I hope if it is a 2 year old this helped you to know what to expect (and to quiz them on their body parts and animals on the drive there!)

About the Author: Christine Cox is the blog master for Choosy Kids. She has always had a passion for writing and is honored to contribute her work to this blog. Most of her writing inspiration comes from her daughter, Capri, who is fun-loving and full of energy. Click here to learn more about Christine.