Rare
is the child who has no fear of the doctor or dentist after the first
visit, and it’s not hard to imagine why. The atmosphere is cold is
sterile, often lacking the warmth and color that populate other
child-centric establishments. Then there are the medical
professionals present in these offices. Although they are generally
kind and caring individuals, children quickly come to associate them
with uncomfortable poking and prodding, the sting of a needle, or
even more painful procedures. And the lab coats, masks, rubber
gloves, and tools of the trade only add to the heightened surrealism
of the event for most kids. As adults, we learn to corral these
fears, but many of us still suffer from anxiety concerning the
medical field. So if you want to make your child’s experience as
pain-free as possible in order to keep him calm during necessary
visits, here are a few tactics to try.
is the child who has no fear of the doctor or dentist after the first
visit, and it’s not hard to imagine why. The atmosphere is cold is
sterile, often lacking the warmth and color that populate other
child-centric establishments. Then there are the medical
professionals present in these offices. Although they are generally
kind and caring individuals, children quickly come to associate them
with uncomfortable poking and prodding, the sting of a needle, or
even more painful procedures. And the lab coats, masks, rubber
gloves, and tools of the trade only add to the heightened surrealism
of the event for most kids. As adults, we learn to corral these
fears, but many of us still suffer from anxiety concerning the
medical field. So if you want to make your child’s experience as
pain-free as possible in order to keep him calm during necessary
visits, here are a few tactics to try.
The
first thing you should consider doing is popping in to say hello to
doctors and dentists when you don’t have scheduled appointments
(provided the offices agree to participate). A couple of visits
before the big day (an exam or check-up of some sort) should suffice
to introduce your child to the office, hopefully creating a level of
familiarity with the place and the people that makes him calm and
comfortable. From there it’s not a bad idea to talk to your child
about what’s going to happen when he goes in for a shot or is first
dental cleaning. Like most people, children don’t always like what
they don’t know and understand. So if your child is old enough,
explain things to him instead of just telling him to look the other
way when he gets a shot (that only works the first time, by the way).
first thing you should consider doing is popping in to say hello to
doctors and dentists when you don’t have scheduled appointments
(provided the offices agree to participate). A couple of visits
before the big day (an exam or check-up of some sort) should suffice
to introduce your child to the office, hopefully creating a level of
familiarity with the place and the people that makes him calm and
comfortable. From there it’s not a bad idea to talk to your child
about what’s going to happen when he goes in for a shot or is first
dental cleaning. Like most people, children don’t always like what
they don’t know and understand. So if your child is old enough,
explain things to him instead of just telling him to look the other
way when he gets a shot (that only works the first time, by the way).
You
should also keep in mind that your level of anxiety can transfer to
your child. If he senses that you are tense and nervous, he too will
get stressed, although he doesn’t know why. So keep yourself calm
during visits so that you don’t inadvertently freak him out. Relax
your body and speak to your child in soothing tones. Explain to him
what’s going to happen. If your child is getting a shot, for example,
tell him that it’s going to feel like a pinch on his arm. Remind him
that you’re right there with him and that nothing bad is going to
happen. Tell him that you have done it many times and it’s nothing to
be afraid of. And don’t forget to smile and reassure him through your
relaxed and confident manner.
should also keep in mind that your level of anxiety can transfer to
your child. If he senses that you are tense and nervous, he too will
get stressed, although he doesn’t know why. So keep yourself calm
during visits so that you don’t inadvertently freak him out. Relax
your body and speak to your child in soothing tones. Explain to him
what’s going to happen. If your child is getting a shot, for example,
tell him that it’s going to feel like a pinch on his arm. Remind him
that you’re right there with him and that nothing bad is going to
happen. Tell him that you have done it many times and it’s nothing to
be afraid of. And don’t forget to smile and reassure him through your
relaxed and confident manner.
Of
course, you might also ask the medical staff to do anything they can
to ease his discomfort or distract him during the process. Many
doctors and dentists are accommodating in this regard since it makes
their job easier, as well. In some cases they provide toys or books,
while others have a television in the corner that kids can watch
while undergoing procedures (especially helpful with longer visits,
like those to the dentist). Or they might offer topical numbing for
certain procedures. And for the most part they have no problem with
you being present for visits provided you are calm and collected
throughout.
course, you might also ask the medical staff to do anything they can
to ease his discomfort or distract him during the process. Many
doctors and dentists are accommodating in this regard since it makes
their job easier, as well. In some cases they provide toys or books,
while others have a television in the corner that kids can watch
while undergoing procedures (especially helpful with longer visits,
like those to the dentist). Or they might offer topical numbing for
certain procedures. And for the most part they have no problem with
you being present for visits provided you are calm and collected
throughout.
Most
kids won’t have to deal with complex or invasive procedures until
they are much older and more capable of understanding what’s
happening to them (although don’t think you can escape the
orthopedics institute or orthodontics services offered by Invisalign
Norwest forever).
But in the meantime you want to teach them that doctors and dentists
are nothing to fear. And by preparing them appropriately and seeking
help from doctors themselves, you can ensure less drama in the office
and keep your child as calm as possible during visits.
kids won’t have to deal with complex or invasive procedures until
they are much older and more capable of understanding what’s
happening to them (although don’t think you can escape the
orthopedics institute or orthodontics services offered by Invisalign
Norwest forever).
But in the meantime you want to teach them that doctors and dentists
are nothing to fear. And by preparing them appropriately and seeking
help from doctors themselves, you can ensure less drama in the office
and keep your child as calm as possible during visits.
This is a guest post written specifically for this site. Opinions expressed are of the author.
