Nursery World - Doctor's orders

Children may feel anxious about going to the doctor's or a hospital stay, but these activity ideas by Sheila Ebbutt and Carole Skinner will help them overcome these fears Being ill is very significant to children. Going to the doctor or staying in hospital are worrying events that need to be discussed at length.

Being ill is very significant to children. Going to the doctor or staying in hospital are worrying events that need to be discussed at length.

Children need to act out their fears and anxieties in a safe and reassuring way. Playing out the roles themselves, and using cuddly toys and small-world toys, will help children to manage their feelings and understand the feelings of others.

It is helpful too to provide information about what doctors do and why, how hospitals work and how long it takes to get better. Stories are also very important in helping children understand illness.

Adult-led activities

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