Worried about bringing your child in for urgent care? Learn how you can make the experience fun for them. Visit us today!
From the Smoky Mountains to the city streets of Knoxville, East Tennessee families know how to stay active. Whether your little one has a sudden earache after a swim in the hotel pool during a Gatlinburg weekend or caught a bug after spending time at the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga, urgent care can come into play fast.
When a child gets sick or injured unexpectedly, it’s stressful for everyone involved. The good news? You can ease the experience for your child and yourself by knowing how to prepare for a visit to urgent care.
Let’s talk about what you can do ahead of time to make the trip to an East Tennessee AFC Urgent Care a whole lot smoother.
What Makes Kids Nervous About Urgent Care Visits?
It’s not unusual for kids to get nervous about seeing a physician, especially if:
- They’re already uncomfortable from being sick or injured
- They don’t know what to expect from the visit
- They’re scared of shots or tests
- They’ve had a previous medical experience that wasn’t so great
Urgent care visits are usually unexpected, which adds another layer of surprise and stress. Helping your child feel informed and supported can make all the difference.
Start With an Honest Conversation
Even if your child is young, a little age-appropriate explanation goes a long way. Be honest, but keep things light and simple.
Try saying something like:
“We’re going to see a doctor who helps kids feel better when they’re sick or hurt. They’ll ask us some questions and check you out to see what’s going on.”
If your child is old enough, let them ask questions and answer as clearly and calmly as possible. Avoid saying things like “It won’t hurt” unless you’re 100% sure, but do reassure them that it’ll be quick and you’ll be by their side.
Let Them Bring a Favorite Distraction
Most parents know the power of a favorite stuffed animal or tablet loaded with games. Giving your child something familiar can help distract them while waiting to be seen.
Here are a few great options to pack:
- A soft toy or cozy blanket
- A coloring book and crayons
- A book or tablet with headphones
- Fidget toys or handheld puzzles
These simple comforts can help turn a scary visit into something much more manageable.
Pack the Essentials
Our urgent care clinic is walk-in, so you don’t always have time to plan, but if you can pause for just a moment before heading out the door, make sure you’ve got:
- Insurance card and ID
- Notes on symptoms or any medications your child is taking
- Water and snacks (for both of you!)
- Wipes or tissues
- Something to keep them occupied
A quick grab-and-go “sick kit” in your car or backpack can be a real lifesaver during these visits.
Give Your Child a Sense of Control
If your child feels like everything is happening to them, they may feel anxious or powerless. Let them choose a few small things to stay involved, like:
- Which toy or book to bring
- What shoes or comfy clothes to wear
- A small snack to eat afterward
These little choices go a long way in helping kids feel confident and brave.
Create a Positive Memory Together
Urgent care visits aren’t exactly fun, but you can still end the day on a high note. After the appointment, reward your child with a little treat or outing. That could be a stop at Cruze Farm for ice cream if you’re near Knoxville or browsing books at McKay’s if you’re passing through Chattanooga.
“You did an awesome job today. I’m really proud of how brave you were.”
Positive reinforcement helps your child associate medical visits with care, not fear.
AFC Urgent Care Is Here for Your Family
Our AFC Urgent Care locations across East Tennessee from Sevierville and Knoxville to Cleveland and beyond are ready to help your family get the care you need, when you need it. We treat a wide range of common childhood illnesses and injuries with kindness and efficiency.
We know that when your child needs care, you need support too. That’s why our providers make it a priority to help kids feel safe, understood, and cared for from the moment they walk in.
