My Doctor & Me ABC Giveaway!

MY FRIENDS!!! I'm really excited to oh so proudly share my very first sponsored post, which was created in partnership with Dr. Stephanie Cox, the author of the utterly charming and darling book, 'My Doctor and Me ABC'. And not only do I have a fun interview with Dr. Cox to share about kids' health, she's provided not one, but two, of her books to give away today!

I first asked Stephanie about what prompted her to create a children's book about visiting the doctor. (oh how I wish I had had this book in my hands when Julia was a tiny tot or preschooler/kindergartner!)

"The book evolved over about two years time - as a mom I've been reading to my kids since they were babies. The American Academy of Pediatrics just came out with a position statement on reading during infancy - (here's a link to a news report on the issue) - and as a family physician I've been telling parents of my pediatric patients to read daily to their babies, toddlers, children.  So I decided it would be fun to write a book to help foster a lifelong love of reading and learning. 

I decided to use an ABC format, as it would be age appropriate for my target audience, the preschool/early elementary age.  I've found that there are basically 2 types of kids that come into the office: the ones that are frightened and don't want to be there, and the ones that are really interested in what you are doing (they want to use all the equipment, they ask a lot of questions).  So I wanted to help both types - give the one group comforting knowledge about what we do in the doctor's office, so they would feel better prepared and more at ease when they arrive for their visit. For the other group, I wanted to give them fun and exciting knowledge about the human body and medicine.

 And for all kids I just wanted to get them on the right path to lifelong great health, so the book is sprinkled with tips on how to be healthy!  It was fun but challenging to come up with age appropriate medical terms that kids could relate to, and then pair them with fun and educational rhymes.  I kept a pad of paper next to my bed, because sometimes I would wake up in the middle night with a rhyme and would write it down so I wouldn't forget it.

My 11 year old has a VSD (a small hole in his heart) and we've spent a fair amount of time at the cardiologist's office, so I know what it's like to be on the parent/patient side of health care. But thankfully he's doing great, we've been very fortunate so far."

How did you find the delightful artistic talents of Emily Burger, whose happy and adorable illustrations so perfectly complement the ABC rhymes found in the book?

"I was talking about the book at my office, and a friend and co-worker of 10 years mentioned Emily. (Emily's mom had worked at the front desk of my office at one point.) So we got together and I showed Emily the manuscript, and then she e-mailed me a sample page - it was the 'A is for abdomen' page - it was so cute, I fell in love instantly."

Besides reading your adorable book, what are some ways that parents can ease any fears, potential or actual, that their kids may have in regards to seeing their doctor?

"I think that if parents are open and honest with their kids - 'yes, you may need a shot today but it helps keep you healthy,' and keep the lines of communication open....that can help decrease the fear level. Don't blindside them with a visit to the doctor's office; let them know ahead of time. Letting kids know that everyone goes (or should go!) to the doctor, both kids and adults, and that it's an important part of staying healthy, helps them understand that it is just something that we all do to live a long and healthy life.  Don't use going to the doctor as a punishment, or at least getting vaccines - I've heard more than one parent say, 'If you don't behave I'll have the doctor give you a shot.'

Personally, I always try to address the children and get them engaged in the conversation/visit rather than just talking to their parents.  Getting the kids involved and really listening to what they have to say helps put them at ease.  While it's generally faster to get the answers from the adults, talking directly with the kids let's them know that they are the most important person in the room."

So Stephanie, of course I have to ask what your three kids are reading.....

"I have an 11 year-old boy currently reading the Alex Rider books, he generally likes adventure books and sports books. 

My 9 year-old has discovered the Doctor Proctor's Fart Powder series. What 9 year old boy wouldn't like books about farts! (AWESOME! ~ Melissa)  It's actually my fault, I got the first book in the series for Christmas last year, and he also likes Geronimo Stilton books.

And my 6 year-old daughter would sit and listen to anything; she just loves to read and to be read to.  We've started the Rescue Princesses series - I really like to read books with her that have strong female characters that encourage science, math, friendship, being brave, athleticism, etc., rather than books that steer girls towards all glitz and glamour. I feel there is enough of that in society as it is, and I want my daughter to know that she can do anything she wants to.  I want to foster her interest in all sorts of things so we try to mix up what we read."

Stephanie, if there is one piece of advice you could share with parents about their children coming to the doctor, what would it be?

"I think that the best advice is to try to keep it a positive experience, let them know that they are going to the doctor's office for a well child visit, sick visit (whatever the visit may be) and let them know that the doctor is on their team, working to help keep them healthy."

THANK YOU Stephanie!! For the interview and your delightful book! You can also check out Dr. Cox's 'My Doctor and Me ABC' Facebook page for more tips on helpful medical or social issues regarding kids' health, diet, activity, and new recommendations (i.e. reading, seat belts, etc).

My friends, I've got TWO of Dr. Stephanie's marvelous 'My Doctor and Me ABC' books to give away today ~ just leave a comment down below before midnight on Saturday the 19th, Pacific time, and I'll announce two winners on Sunday, July 20!

~the giveaway is now closed~

(this post contains Amazon affiliate links)