When children become anxious prior to doctors' appointments or other medical procedures, parents can help relieve their children's worries and stress. And even though we may not like saying it and the child may not like hearing it, it is best to tell them the truth – the whole truth.

"The most important thing in relieving anxiety is to tell children where they are going and why," said Sarah Maytum, a child-life specialist at Texas Children's Hospital in Houston, Texas. "If a parent is unsure about what is going to happen during a medical procedure, we encourage the parents to obtain details from a physician or nurse. Describe to children the sensations they will experience: what they will see, hear and feel. That way, nothing is a surprise."

Toddlers are naturally curious and adept at exploration. They are learning all they can about the people and things that surround them every day.

And they do remember and relate various experiences to certain places, people or things. Making and remembering these connections, however, can cause them to be aware or fearful of needles. "A visit to the doctor, especially if it includes tests, can be scary for children," says Carol Herron, the arts in medicine program director at Texas Children's Cancer Center and Hematology Service in Houston, Texas. "Children may not be able to talk to a parent because they are too young or too embarrassed to express their feelings. It is important that parents try to give their child options and alternatives to help communicate their fears or concerns, as well as be understanding to them when they do."

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