Gentle Health: How To Encourage Your Child to Relax At Medical Appointments

As the primary caregiver of a child, you know how hard it sometimes is for them to relax at medical appointments. If the child has additional needs, interruptions to their routine can feel catastrophic, and they react negatively to a change. The problems often arise during essential appointments, so you must find a way to encourage your child to relax.

Patience is a must, of course, but if you can get your child to The Smile Spa or to the doctor with minimal fuss, it’s less stressful for you and them. One of the things you can do is to ensure that your child feels they are in control. Making them feel in control means helping them understand what’s going to happen and what the appointment is for. 

How To Encourage Your Child to Relax At Medical Appointments

1. Determine Their Immediate Need

You know that this will upset your child, and you should immediately give your child notice. If there is an upcoming dental appointment, you need to tell them the moment you book it. They will likely be upset, but they’ll be more upset if you don’t tell them what’s ahead of them. You want your child to trust you, and that means being honest and open. 

2. Be Honest at Every Turn

When your child asks if something will hurt and you know it will then say so. Explain that it’ll be fast and not much more than a sting (vaccines), or explain that the dentist has a magic cream to make sure that they don’t hurt when they are having their teeth done. You want to base your relationship on trust, and every child needs that.

3. Know Their Fears

Does your child fear the doctor? Is it because they’re afraid of what they might see or experience, or is it the whole idea of just being in the doctor’s office? Either way, ensure you are aware of the fears that your child has and go with them. Use blindfolds to help if they are afraid to see the dentist. Use noise-canceling headphones if they need any drilling. Meet their sensory needs while you are ensuring that they are calm.

4. Add Comfort

If your child has a comfort item to hold or wants to be held, you can add comfort. There is nothing wrong with ensuring your child is as comfortable as possible. It can keep them calm through the whole process when you do. Your child can relax knowing you are relaxed, too, so be the comfort they need.

Encourage Your Child to Relax At Medical Appointments

Medical appointments can be hard for children, so ensure that you help ease the discomfort and fear. By implementing these tips, you can encourage your child to relax at medical appointments.

Do you have any other tips? Leave a comment and let us know!