Taking your children to the doctor or dentist may be something you dread. With the check ups, shots, and everything else that can happen there, it’s natural to be worried about these appointments with kids. We’re sharing some tips to make sure those visits go as smoothly as possible!
1. Talk to them before.
Before your child has any doctor or dentist visit, talk to them about it. Let them know where you’re going and what will be done there.
2. Reassure them.
Make sure your children know that they are going to these appointments for a reason. Help them to understand that these doctors and dentists are their friends and that it won’t be scary. Let them know you will be with them the whole time. Sometimes, all children need is a little bit of reassurance.
3. Avoid certain words.
Don’t use words like pain, hurt, or shots. Let the medical staff use their own vocabulary with your children. There’s no point in getting them worked up before the appointment even begins.
4. Keep it simple.
Especially when going to the dentist, keep things simple. Introduce your child to your dentist slowly. Even if the dentist can only take a peek in your child’s mouth at first, that’s okay. That’s still a great start!
5. Find doctors and dentists who work well with children.
Make sure that the office and staff will be able to accommodate your child. Do you have any friends or family that can recommend a great pediatrician/pediatric dentist?
6. Keep your child’s chart with you at all times.
Make sure you keep your child’s chart with you at all times or at least have their chart number memorized. If you ever call to make appointments, you’ll need this information.
7. Have your questions written down.
If you have any questions for your doctor or dentist, have them written down so you don’t forget anything.
8. Be prepared for fussing.
Remember that it’s okay if your children are scared, anxious, or fuss. They are just children and it’s natural for them to have any of these reactions.
9. Visit beforehand.
Some office’s will let you take a tour before your appointment so your child will already be familiarized before their actual appointment.
10. Plan something fun afterwards.
Plan to take your child to the park after or to see a movie. Even let them pick where they’ll get to go after the appointment!
11. Bring fun things along.
Pack stickers or a coloring book along so your child is distracted and having fun in the waiting room.
Have any other tips you would add to our list? Leave us a comment and let us know!