The Power of Play at the Pediatrician’s Office
Some of my favorite patients in the pediatrics clinic are stuffed animals. Elmo was a regular visitor in the past, but these days Minnie Mouse has lots of appointments, as do Sonic the Hedgehog, Paw Patrol pups, and Pikachu’s pals. Sometimes, a whole zoo of stuffed animals comes through my doors with their preschool-aged zookeeper.
Usually, these stuffies join the visit for moral support. Just like the Disney Jr. character Doc McStuffins, I tell the stuffies, “It’s time for your check up!” The kids love playing along.
Most parents have experienced a doctor’s visit where their child was not thrilled to be there. This is especially common between ages 1 and 4, though many children remain cautious about medical visits well into their school years. As pediatricians, we work hard to create a welcoming office environment, using stickers, bright colors, and friendly decorations to help kids feel more at ease.
Still, a physical exam requires moving into a child’s personal space, which can be unsettling. In these moments, incorporating play into office visits becomes key.
Pretend play helps kids connect and learn
Bluey, the Australian animated show, gives great examples of the power of play. Bandit, Bluey’s dad, demonstrates how a parent’s participation in pretend play can help develop a child’s creativity and emotional learning while strengthening family bonds. The play scenarios created by the Heeler family allow Bluey and her sibling Bingo to navigate complex emotions and experiences.
Similarly, bringing small toys or a stuffy from home and engaging in pretend play during the visit can help your child feel calm and in control, keep them occupied while waiting for the pediatrician, and even make the exam itself easier.
Every pediatrician has their own style
Young patients often ask to see my light-up frog, the little distraction toy I use while listening to their hearts. Another doctor in our office “checks for birds” in kids’ ears, adding a playful tweet as they examine them with the otoscope. One pretends to be “blown away” as children take big breaths to push her across the room; another has kids blow bubbles during their lung exams. These seemingly silly tricks not only help doctors examine our young patients but also serve as wonderful examples of how play can ease anxiety and build connection.
I love examining stuffed animals because it’s a fun way to help children understand what’s about to happen and relieve any worries. After demonstrating how to check their stuffy’s ears, eyes, heart, and belly, I let the “young doctor” take a turn with the tools. From there, we transition into the child’s exam. More often than not, these visits end with smiles all around including the patient, parent, and pediatrician!
Next time your child wants to bring a stuffy to their doctor’s appointment, consider saying yes! As Doc McStuffins herself says, “Being brave doesn’t mean you never get scared.” Spending time with stuffies just might make your doctor’s day, too.
Resources For Parents:
American Academy of Pediatrics
Pretend Play: Ways that Children Can Exercise Their Imagination
Featured Author
Dr. Lindsay Frost's biography reads: I joined the pediatrics team at Kaiser Permanente South Sacramento in 2018 to help kids thrive. During my medical training, I pursued a Masters degree in public health and health promotion. I enjoy being able to foster long-term relationships with patients and their families, providing care in both health and illness as children grow. Some of my most relevant experiences as a pediatrician have come from my two children, who have “trained” me first-hand on the challenges of parenthood.
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