The words “it’s time to go to the doctor” can cause fear and anxiety in kids, but it doesn’t have to. According to NewYork-Presbyterian experts, one way to help children cope with the stress of visits to the doctor or hospital is to practice playing doctor beforehand. 

That was the goal of the Seaport Kids x Teddy Bear Clinic on March 1, where physicians, nurses, and child life specialists from the Children’s Hospital of New York at NewYork-Presbyterian Lower Manhattan Hospital taught children what to expect at a medical visit.

The kids, dressed in white doctor coats, played doctor with teddy bears, explored a real ambulance, and enjoyed creative activities to help make medical checkups feel less scary and more fun.

Looking for more tips on how to help children feel comfortable when visiting the doctor? Check out these resources from NewYork-Presbyterian:

• Our event recap video highlights all the fun from the day. Watch below.

• Listen to the latest Health Matters podcast episode “Ask a Doctor: A Pediatrician Answers Kids’ Questions.”

• Learn more from these Health Matters articles:
  – The Essential Children’s Health Checklist
  – 6 Ways to Help Children Cope During a Hospital Stay

• Bring the fun home with printable bandage art & coloring page templates.
  – Download bandage art templates here.  
  – Download coloring page templates here. 

Courtesy of NewYork-Presbyterian