Many parents ask us what they should tell their child about our visit together. Obviously, this is your decision and your instincts in this matter are important. For older children, we suggest telling him/her the truth… that they are going to see a doctor who will help them feel more comfortable in school and other places.

Dr. Shipon-Blum highly discourages parents from telling their child that 'You are going to see a doctor who is going to help you 'TALK.'

For most children/teens the word 'talk' is associated with feelings of being scared, afraid and avoidance. For many, seeing a doctor who will 'help them talk' is interpreted by the child as they are going to see a doctor who will MAKE them TALK and MAKE them FEEL SCARED. 

However, here are some suggestions for younger children:

Ø      If your child is aware of their ‘difficulty speaking’ in school and other places, you can tell him/her that “you are going to see Dr E so she is going to help you feel more comfortable in school and other places where it is difficult to ‘get the words out.’

Ø      There are many children who get very upset speaking about their mutism. Obviously part of their treatment will include acknowledgement, but for now, for their first meeting, I suggest you tell him/her that ‘we are meeting with a doctor friend of the family’s and she wants to get to know us better and spend time with us.’ 

Ø      You can also tell your child that Dr. E has a daughter who also had trouble ‘getting the words out’ so she completely understands how you feel.




 

Good Links to help with explaining to your child about visiting the Doctor:
http://kidshealth.org/parent/system/doctor/dr_visits_p3.html
http://kidshealth.org/parent/system/doctor/dr_visits.html

http://www.millville.org/School_Pages_html/Elem_Schools_f/CFC_f/earlychild/early_whacked/dr_visits.html

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