It’s no secret that kids don’t like to go to the doctor, dentist, and other appointments that are necessary. Naturally they resist the structure of life. Sometimes children don’t even want to do things that are enjoyable simply because they’re nervous, shy, or moody. It can be a real drag when you need to take your kid somewhere and they’re just not having it. Luckily, there are a variety of things you can do to make fun out of the compulsory activities in life. Here are some tips for making fun out of appointments.
Reward Them
When you have something in the pipeline that you know your child is going to hate, plan a reward for them ahead of time. If they’re going to get a shot at the doctors for example, tell your child about it ahead of time and let them know that it’s important and necessary. Then tell them what you will do after they’ve cooperated. For example, you can promise to take them somewhere really fun; to get some ideas, check out this list of the best jumping places in Orlando and see if there are similar activities available in your area. Other great options include going to the movies and – if you really want to splurge – going to the beach. It will not only show them that you know they don’t like it, but that if they are good they will be rewarded. When you communicate this way with your child, they will begin to understand that they benefit when they do what they need to do.
Make a Pit Stop
Depending on where you are going for your child’s dreaded appointment or activity they don’t want to do, you can make a pit stop. Making the trip fun will greatly improve their attitude and how it will all go. If you live in Illinois, for example, and need to take your child to the dentist, look at these dentists in Plainfield, IL. Here you can take them to the village, which is pretty and quaint. Or if you are going somewhere you know has their favorite food or activity, making a trip to the dentist or doctor and doing something fun while you’re at it will really change the vibe.
Frame it the Right Way
So much of the reactions kids have is how you phrase or frame the task. If you have to take them to the city for your own appointment, frame it like an adventure. Provide the information on what they will get out of it. For example, if they get to see a new place, eat new food, or meet new friends, you can focus on the positives. The one thing you have to do is simply a detail of the trip. Now this is not to say that you should lie to your kids, but if you focus on the negatives so will they. Much of the time children learn their behaviors from their parents. When you exude positive energy about the things you don’t want to do, they will likely follow suit.
Make Distinctions on Preferences
Sometimes kids don’t even want to do the stuff that is conventionally viewed as fun. For example, theme parks aren’t for everyone. A lot of children don’t care for rides, crowds, walking a lot, and waiting in line. While one of your children may be a stick in the mud about theme parks or another activity the rest of the family likes, you should talk to them about their preferences. Explain that they like certain things and the rest of you like something else and that this time you are doing the thing they don’t like but next time it will be their turn. Not only will this ensure that they are well-behaved while you’re at the theme park, it will help them make distinctions and learn that life isn’t all about doing what you want to do all the time.
When you have kids, you will run into the times they aren’t happy about what you’re doing. The most important thing is to talk to them about it, but you should also anticipate how they will feel. If you know they don’t like something in particular that they will have to do, reward them for good behavior. Make pit stops so that it isn’t a drag. Communicate with them why you are doing what you are doing and what they will get out of it. Not all of this will be satisfying to kids, but if you start developing this thinking early everyone in the family will be better off.
Leave a Reply