Tuesday, November 18, 2014

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.

22 comments :

  1. Aw, Christine, thanks for a wish of an easy time! It was terrible 2 y.o. check up for my daughter, and now we are facing 3 y.o. check up :( I should admit - I am scared, no joke. We are playing doctor a lot to get ready. Doc McStuffins helps. You have such a smart little one! <3

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    1. SANTA told me he is bringing her some Doc stuff for Christmas so hopefully the next checkup will be easier ;)

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  2. We have a great doctor. She is very kid friendly and makes it fun for our kids.

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    1. Our doctor is great and I love her. It really has nothing to do with the doctor...my daughter just doesn't have the patience nor wants to be there.

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  3. Awe! She just wasn't ready to be questioned by a "stranger!" :)

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    1. You are exactly right. My mom always calls it putting them on the stage and asking them to preform. She's not a robot and just doesn't do things on command.

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  4. My son always liked seeing our doctor. She treats us like family.

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  5. It is so iimportant for kids to have a good relationship with eir pediatricians. I am so happy our pediatrician is so wonderful.

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    1. Don't get me wrong...we have a great doctor but my little one just hates going there. I am sure she'd act the same around any doctor.

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  6. I am sure it was even more painful for you than it was for your daughter when she was crying. We are about to have our four children's 4 year-old check-ups (with the most shots so far at once). I am hoping for the best and have been preparing them with short check-up and immunization videos.

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    1. It all takes me back to when she got her first shot and I was so emotional and cried more than she did. I am hoping that the doctor kit SANTA said he's bringing her helps!

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  7. We were fine until the five year old checkup when my son had to get all those vaccinations for kindergarten. I think he got three. Oh, my! He cried the entire 45 minute drive home.

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  8. Hahaha, at that age, the doctors know that they are stubborn. They will only do what they want to do, when they want to. I always hope that my child is in the show off mood to really go above and beyond....but that rarely happens. I am thankful to leave with the doctor just thinking he's on track.

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  9. Oh man! Well check-ups can be tough. I have to take my son for his three-year-old checkup in a few months. He never wants to step on the scale alone.

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    1. So it is scary for you too? That would scare me :) good luck at your next visit!

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  10. Great post! I don't have kids, but I'm a medical student at the moment and my pediatrics rotation is coming up in January! I'll be sure to keep all this in mind! Maybe it'll help them to be a little less scared of the doctor's office! :]

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    1. That is awesome! We hope you like working with children as much as we do :)

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  11. I think Capri was just shy during her checkup. As you've said, she would say anything when it's just the two of you. Maybe she just needs a little boost of confidence and reassurance that everything is going to be alright. In any way, thanks for sharing that, Christine! All the best to your family! :)

    Paul Quinn @ Med Care Pediatric

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    1. Thank you for your comment, Paul. Capri is not the show off type of child so it did not surprise me when she didn't tell them everything she knew but I am sure as she gets older that all will change too! :)

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