Ultimate Guide to Talk to Your Child’s Doctor

When it comes to your child’s health, do you know the right questions to ask their doctor?

When you’re prepared and know what to ask ... that’s a victory! 

However, whether you’ve been a parent for some time or just recently became a new parent in the scary world of a sick child, you’re not alone. Being a parent is one of the scariest and most challenging things that we’ll do in our lifetime. It’s not easy, but the rewards are more than worth it!

According to About Kids Health, here’s how to get the most information out of your child’s doctor, including what to do beforehand and when you’re there:  

Beforehand:

• Write out questions and concerns so you won’t forget things.
• Write down any recent symptoms.
• Keep self-monitoring records current.
• Review what medications and dosages your child is currently taking.
• Review the main points you want to cover.
• If your child is older, talk to them about questions that they may want to have answered during the visit.
• Keep a diary that records your child's symptoms, tests undergone, results of tests and other related information.
• Make a note of anything you need from the health-care team, such as a letter for your child’s school or help finding community health services.

What to do when you’re there:

• Bring your diary of symptoms, tests, medications, dosages and any side effects.
• Request time to ask questions.
• Encourage your child to participate in the visit and ask their questions if possible.
• Write down the answers.
• When answers seem detailed or complicated, it may be helpful to repeat answers back when talking to your child’s health-care provider to ensure that you understand.
• Make a specific plan of action for any changes to the treatment or medication routine.
• Make an appointment for the next visit.
• Ask if blood tests or any other tests, should be done.
• If needed, ask for a refill of your child’s medications during the clinic visit.

Having an open communication with your child’s doctor is extremely beneficial to your child’s health and well-being. In addition, this allows a trusting relationship to develop between you and your child’s doctor. The more trust you have with the doctor, the better they can diagnose what ails your child.

We hope this information will help you become more aware of the things you need to prepare for before and during visits to your child’s doctor. At Little Angels Preschool & Daycare Ann Arbor, we’re dedicated to our students’ health and well-being. We want to ensure the safety of our students and their families.

Do you know of a parent looking for a quality daycare in Ypsilanti, Ann Arbor or the surrounding areas? Please encourage them to contact us to schedule a tour of Little Angels Preschool & Daycare.