Lions Aren't Scared of Shots: A Story for Children About Visiting the Doctor

As seen on The Today Show and in Newsweek Magazine

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Learning Magazine Teachers' Choice Award for the Family 2008

Molly is worried. It's time for her doctor visit and she doesn't want to go. She likes Dr. Ryan. She just doesn't like shots! But with the help of her imagination, Molly finds her courageous inner lion right when she needs it the most.

Even though pediatricians' offices usually look cheerful and inviting, most kids worry about doctor visits. One minute they are playing in the waiting room, and the next they are whisked away to be weighed, measured, checked, and maybe even poked with a shot or two. No wonder kids get scared.

Imagination, humor, and gentle redirection are excellent tools for reducing a child’s anxiety. In Lions Aren’t Scared of Shots, Molly's doctor invites her to become different animals as a way to relax and have fun with each part of the checkup. Parents too can reduce worries in their child by talking about and preparing for the visit, and by teaching other relaxation methods. Armed with such simple strategies, children can feel far less fearful about doctors and checkups, just as our brave little lion Molly does.

For parents, a note by psychologist and author Jane Annunziata offers advice and tips for encouraging their own little lion to feel comfortable and brave with routine checkups, sick visits, shots, and other medical procedures.