Set up a simple doctor's office with a pretend eye chart, a toy stethoscope, and a height chart taped to the wall. Take turns being doctor and patient, going through a full check-up routine, ending with a sticker or paper certificate for being brave.

What you need

a toy stethoscope or cup on string
paper for an eye chart
stickers (optional)

How to do it

1Set up a small 'office' area with the stethoscope and a hand-drawn eye chart on the wall.
2"Come on in — let's check you out today." Measure height against a wall, listen to the heart, check ears.
3Ask the 'patient' simple questions — how they're feeling, what they had for breakfast — as part of the check-up.
4Finish with a sticker or certificate for being a brave patient, then swap roles if they want to be doctor next.

Variations

If a real upcoming doctor's visit is causing worry: play this specifically beforehand to walk through what will happen.
How it ends: handing over the certificate or sticker is a natural, positive close to every round.

💡 Parent tip

If a real check-up is coming up, this game is worth playing the day before — it measurably eases first-visit nerves for many kids.

What your child develops

Emotional preparation — rehearsing a doctor's visit through play reduces real anxiety about medical appointments
Body awareness — naming body parts and simple health concepts
Role reversal — playing doctor as well as patient builds a sense of control over a normally passive experience