Taking kids to the doctor

Taking kids to the doctor is not something that any parent likes to do.  I am one of those.  I am not above bribery at all.  Since my kids were around 1 1/2 years old, I used bribery to keep them from carrying on the crying with their shots.  If they didn't carry on past the office, they get a treat.

Today I had to take my son for his check up from his ear tube surgery.  He told me that he wanted a shot so he could get a treat.  He was upset that their was no shots.  So I think maybe that works too well.

The problem I have at the ear doctor is that he hates his ears being checked.  They have to do different tests and we never seem to be able to get them done.  Today the Audiologist gave my on a tip piece so maybe they would be able to get the one test.  It seemed like it was working, but then he would move and it didn't work.  I think he is just too young for that one still.

He did think the piece was great.  We went back to our room, and he had to check out his hat's ear's.  His hat is a lion.

This way worked perfect.  I was able to tell him what the doctor would do, so he sat much better for his ears.

Every time we go to the doctor, I always talk about what to expect with the kids.  I think since they don't remember what goes on, they have that anxiety.  But by talking about it, they know what they are going to have happen to them.

My kids have their own doctor kit.  They love playing.  It's such a great learning tool as well.  The kids always are using it on each other and the dolls and bears and anything else they can.  But then when we have an appointment coming up, I can show them the tools the doctor uses and what they are for,  

What things do you do to help kids ease anxiety in these situations?