| Aside from dreaming of making other people well, | | | | observe their work and environment. Here's how |
| kids are probably fascinated by the tools that | | | | to get started: |
| doctors use when examining their patients. As | | | | 1. Call your doctor or another local doctor. |
| parents, the one thing we can do to make our | | | | 2. Let them know that your child shows an |
| children succeed in becoming doctors and medical | | | | interest in becoming a doctor. |
| professionals is to give our support by providing | | | | 3. Ask if they would be willing to have your child |
| them the guidance and resources they will need | | | | observe them in their work environment. Usually |
| to hone their skills and talents. | | | | 1-3 hours is enough time. |
| If your daughter still shows signs of interest in the | | | | 4. If the doctor says yes, make sure that you |
| field of medicine when she reaches eight or ten, | | | | know their rules and establish them with your |
| buy educational toys that will help her become | | | | child. |
| familiar with the parts of the body and the | | | | 5. Stay in the building with your child, though you |
| functions of the different organs of the body. | | | | may not want to join them in the office. |
| You may also want to buy your child some books | | | | 6. If the doctor is interested, he or she can set |
| and videos not only about the profession, but also | | | | up another time with you for observation. |
| about kid doctors/medical workers such as | | | | Another tip - ask your local doctors about how |
| fictional character Doogie Howser MD, who | | | | they got started, or what they would |
| became a doctor at age 16. These things are | | | | recommend for your child to jumpstart their |
| important in keeping your kids interested in the | | | | career interest. Some may recommend a First |
| profession, as well as showing them the | | | | Aid class and Jr. Lifesaving course. Call or search |
| responsibilities of people who work in the medical | | | | through your Yellow Pages to find kids and teens |
| field. Talk with your child's doctor - it never hurts | | | | courses. Most of all, have fun while you learn with |
| to ask him or her if they wouldn't mind having | | | | your kids! |
| your child spend a few hours with them to | | | | |