Empowering And Advocating For Your Child’s Healthcare
Your child’s every visit to the doctor or dentist CAN be empowering- and even fun! Parents often worry about how their child’s experience with their healthcare provider may go: Will my child cry? Will he/she generate bad memories? Should I anticipate the worst? I’m here to assure you that with some pre-planning, it is possible to make each appointment successful for you and your child. Here are my tips to help empower your child for their appointment and how to help advocate for their healthcare.
1. Preparation!
Roleplay, read books, and even use toys/props to help your child know what to expect. Make it fun!
2. What motivates your child?
Do you use a reward system where good behavior comes with some sort of incentive? Or are you focused on intrinsically motivating your child? Maybe by making them feel empowered and suggesting that because they’re a “big boy/girl”, they GET to have a homework assignment such as flossing each night!
3. Acknowledge feelings.
If your child cries, let them know it’s okay to feel scared and lots of people feel nervous when trying something new, even adults! If the child is unable to regain composure to finish the appointment, find something they CAN do before they leave to end on a good note. Maybe they can pick which bib they prefer for their next appointment, or maybe they can help put something away before they leave. Try to find something they can do, and then remind them of how they did such a great job of overcoming their emotions and lending a helping hand!
4. Go at a comfortable pace.
If you decide the appointment needs to end, then end it. It’s okay to pull the plug and try again another time!
If you have concerns or questions, ask to reschedule the appointment so you have time to think of questions and understand the planned treatment for when you return at a time that feels more comfortable.
5. Re-frame difficult appointments.
When you get home, remind your child of all of the positive things he/she did: They walked in the front door and sat in the chair even though they felt nervous, they were very polite and thoughtful, etc. Small accomplishments are still accomplishments!
6. Be mindful.
Be careful not to project your own feelings and biases of the dentist or doctor onto your child. Children look to their parents as trusted, safe adults. If they pick up on their own parent’s impressions, this may make them feel increasingly uneasy.
7. Consider waiting outside the room.
Studies show children behave significantly better in new situations when parents aren't present. You may consider “stepping out for a moment” and then peeking into the treatment room from around the corner – You are there the whole time to jump in if needed, but your child has agency to perform in the appointment on their own.
8. Know what to expect.
Ask questions to best understand what to expect and what procedures will be performed by your doctor or dentist ahead of time, preferably out of the earshot of your child.
9. Give yourself grace.
Parenting is a journey! Everyone is simply doing their best. Always do what you feel is right for your family and trust your intuition.
For more educational resources, connections, and support for mothers, LAT Dentistry highly recommends HUDDLE UP MOMS: A local group with a strong mission to create a future in which all mothers have the support they need to be healthy, happy, and confident to flourish in all areas of their lives.