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For Kids & Families
Author: Dr. Vrolijk | Updated: February 5, 2026 | Disclaimer | Review Process | References
A lot of kids have a hard time with medical visits. It can be scary not knowing what’s wrong, what’s going to happen, or how to ask for what they need. Many adults feel this way too. But you can help your child feel more prepared and start building skills that will stay with them as they grow.
Below you’ll find ways to support your child or teenager, whether it’s before an ultrasound or dealing with something they’re worried about. We designed these resources to help them feel informed, prepared, and able to speak up for themselves.
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Free I Can Get an Ultrasound Book
An ultrasound is a safe test that uses sound waves to create pictures of inside the body. This is similar to a device used on boats to see below the water. You can’t feel the sound waves. The test itself is painless, but the experience can still be stressful for kids.
“I Can Get an Ultrasound” is an illustrated book that walks through what happens during an ultrasound and ways to make it as comfortable as possible. Some tips from the book:
About the Ultrasound
- The ultrasound can take around 30 minutes. You can bring something to distract or comfort them, like a toy, music, or a game.
- You or your child can ask the tech for a break.
- The tech may need to press down. This can be uncomfortable. You or your child can ask them to give a warning first.
- You can both ask to see the pictures on the screen.
Sensory Challenges
- The room can be cold. You or your child can ask for a blanket.
- There can be a humming sound from nearby machines. You can bring earplugs, headphones, or use a blanket to cover your child’s ears.
- Lights can be bright in the hospital. You can bring sunglasses or use a blanket to block out the light.
- The gel can be warm or cold. Letting your child know ahead of time can help.
The book comes in two versions: ages 4-11 and teens/young adults (12+).
Preparing for an Appointment
Getting your child ready for doctor visits can be challenging. Many parents feel stressed or worried about these appointments. And helping your child manage their feelings adds another layer to deal with.
The tips below can help you support your child before the visit while also taking care of your own needs. Remember that small steps toward preparation can make a big difference for both of you.
Talk about What Will Happen
- Explain what you know about the visit in simple, honest terms
- Help them understand what order things will happen
- Remind them of other times they handled similar situations
✷ If You Don’t Know: It’s common to not know what or when things will happen. Before your visit you can call the doctor’s office and ask. Or you can ask staff during the visit.
Support Your Child's Feelings
- Create a safe space for them to share
- Validate their feelings
- Share what works for you
- Try our help with big worries exercise
Plan Ahead for Comfort
- Bring comfort items and sensory toys
- Practice what you’ll do during stressful times
- Plan a reward for after the visit
Quick Tools to Feel Calmer
🦋 Butterfly Breathing
- Hold your arms out like wings
- Breathe in → raise your wings up
- Breathe out → lower your wings down
- Do this 3 times
Works great anywhere – even right before getting a shot!
🧸Toy or Comfort Item
Pick something that your child likes to play with or feels comforted by. For older kids, this might be a fidget spinner. A younger child might prefer a toy like a stuffed bear.
Pick something that will engage their attention. This can help by:
- Distracting them
- Give them a place to focus their nervous energy
- Help them feel more grounded
Help with Big Worries
Every kid gets scared sometimes. When they’re worried about medical care, it can make an already tough situation even harder. One way to support your child is to learn more about their worry and make a plan.
This exercise helps you and your child work through those worries step by step:
Name the Worry
Help your child identify what’s scaring them and put it into words.
Untangle Fear from Reality
Look at the worry together and figure out what’s based on experience and what’s based on fear.
Make a Plan
Use what you’ve learned to decide how to handle the situation together.
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