Most parents would prefer to do just about anything over taking kids to the doctor. But the activity is unavoidable, and proper planning can help to make the experience a more positive one for adult and child alike. Here are tips to make the visit go more smoothly.

• Arrive early. Appointments are scheduled very closely together, and there is always paperwork to complete and insurance cards that need to be checked. Arriving 10 to 15 minutes early can allow a child to become acclimated to the doctor's office and for a parent to complete all necessary paperwork in a non-rushed setting.

• Bring kid entertainment. Waiting room waits can make a child more anxious; and more waiting can occur once a child is brought back to a room. Minimize the wait by providing kids with something fun to pass the time. A small game, toy cars, books, puzzle, portable computer game (like the Leapster) or other kid-friendly and easily portable items are best. Be sure that the entertainment doesn't infringe on others or create distractions.
• Prepare questions and concerns in advance. If your child is having a well-child visit, it is the perfect time to ask the doctor about any questions or concerns you may have. If a child is sick, however, keep questions focused on the matter at hand. Having a list of symptoms or significant details the doctor might be interested in should be written down, if possible, so the information is properly relayed. Some organized parents keep journals for each child with date entries for easy reference.
• Don't bring food or drink into the doctor's office. Doctors often advise against a child eating or drinking anything at the doctor's office beyond water--and with good reason! Beyond the mess, a cold drink could affect the temperature's accuracy of a sick child, and food in the stomach can get unsettled if a child becomes extremely upset while getting an immunization or other medical care.

• Be a germ buster. A doctor's office is one of the easiest places to pick up a "bug." Well-child visits can result in a sick youngster days later if proper handwashing and sanitation measures are not followed. Many doctors have separate sick and well child waiting rooms, but kids often cross from one to another in spite of the signs. Parents should discourage any touching, bring their own toys and books instead of what is in the waiting room, and have kids use the bathroom before they go to the doctor.
• Don't make the doctor the "bad guy." In order to have kids not mad at them, parents often unwittingly make doctors the "bad guy" and create an unnecessary fear of kids going to the doctor. If you know your child will be getting shots, you know best how to approach telling a kid. But, don't turn a doctor into the "bad guy" when explaining about a shot. A doctor's primary goal is to keep your child healthy, and youngsters need to understand that. Kids need to know that they won't get a shot every single time they go to the doctor's office.
• Share information with your child. If there is a certain practice or change in routine that a doctor suggests for your child, discuss the information with your youngster as is appropriate for the age and explain why. Kids can understand and even appreciate routine changes or suggestions if they can tie it into becoming a "big kid" or something simple like that. As kids get older, parents can help foster their sense of learning by teaching them about the human body and letting them look up some simple information on the Internet or at the library. Creating a concern for overall wellness is a goal for everyone!