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Home » Raising Kids » Choosing Your Pediatric Providers: Easing The Anxiety Of It All

09/05/2017 8 Comments

Choosing Your Pediatric Providers: Easing The Anxiety Of It All

Any type of pediatric appointment can make BOTH you and your child anxious. Check out my suggestions for choosing pediatric providers, dental tips, and how to minimize any associated anxiety.

I’m writing this post as I sit in the waiting area of my child’s pediatric dentist. Let me first just say how important it is that your child’s dentist is “child-friendly”. I mean really, shouldn’t that be a mandate? Yet, I have come across some more serious and hard-mannered pediatric “experts” that, I hate to say it — but they stink.

Not only do they frustrate you by not being all that kind and likable, but they scare your kid by having no child-like mannerisms that your little one can relate too. Of course, if they are great at their “craft” and an “expert” in their field, they will more than suffice in caring for your child.

Our pediatric dentist is truly amazing. You can absolutely see his love for children in every single interaction he has with them, and with the parents. He will literally get down on his knees to meet your child at their level. He will make a goofy face, or more often than not, multiple ones, just to hear your child laugh — which he knows will ease your mind too. He makes learning about dental care fun and exciting and more than anything, he knows that children are more willing to participate in something that they feel an equal part of, with a partner who both supports and empowers them.

Why is my daughter at the dentist today? Well, I am embarrassed to say…she has some cavities and she needs some sealants. While maintaining the hygiene habits of three little ones in addition to my own self-care, I sometimes drop the ball, or should we say the floss.

What is your guess on whether or not my child cried before or during her appointment today? I was expecting some tears, but there were none. Thank goodness, right?!

When our children need to have any type of procedure done, be it medical, dental, or even psychological, us parents can become a wreck. But, we have to combat our initial instinct to worry, and for lack of a better term “freak out”. I am a worry-wart by nature, always have been and always will be. Unfortunately, my lack of calmness and “go-with-the-flow” nature can negatively affect my children.

Luckily, for my daughter and her dentist (and of course my spouse, as he is the one that regularly has to deal with my crazy and unrealistic worries), I made the conscious effort and decision to underplay today’s 90-minute dental procedure.

Here are my top 5 tips for caring for your child’s dental hygiene:

  1. Floss, floss, floss. That is what got us into trouble! My daughter’s cavities were not on the top of her teeth, but were in between her teeth — who knew!
  2. Brush, at minimum, two times a day. If you can swing it, brush three times.
  3. Less candy. Bummer I know, but come on, slow it down some.
  4. ‘Show and Tell’ time. Of course, do this in an age-appropriate way, but ‘show and tell’ them the reality of what can happen if you don’t take consistent care of your oral hygiene.
  5. Model good dental habits. It’s that simple — if they don’t see you brush and floss regularly, they will think they don’t have to either. Maybe do it together when possible.

Here are my top 5 tips for choosing the best pediatric service provider (dental/medical/psychological) for your child:

  1. Do your research. Don’t just choose the closest provider to your home that accepts your insurance. Vet their experience, as much as possible.
  2. Read reviews. It is so important to get a true grasp of your options; read through testimonials regarding other families’ experiences with the provider.
  3. Talk to your neighbors — or co-workers, or other parents at your children’s school. Word of mouth is often the easiest way.
  4. Feel free to interview the provider. Not all parents know or implement this, but you may make an appointment to simply meet the provider, with or without your child, to see if they might be a good fit for your family.
  5. Go with your gut. If you get a bad vibe, it’s likely not a good fit.

Here are my top 5 suggestions for minimizing any anxieties regarding medical, dental, or psychological procedures.

  1. Be honest, but not overly-detailed. For example, I informed my daughter about how I assumed the procedure would go, and gave her suggestions and examples for how to handle each part of it, but kept my descriptions simple.
  2. Under-play when appropriate. Of course, no one wants to talk about the “numbing needle,” so we didn’t — not exactly at least. We talked about how they would use some sort of medicine to help her feel no pain, but that the “laughy gas” would ensure she didn’t even feel the medicine.
  3. Don’t stress YOURSELF. Our kids totally pick up on our fears, so don’t show them that you are worried (as best you can!)
  4. Read a book on the type of surgery or procedure when possible, as this will help your child understand the order of events that is scheduled to take place.
  5. Love on them –  A LOT. This will make both of you feel better.

Looking for more real-life tips and suggestions? Check out my post on Infant/Toddler Surgery for a real-life parent guide to ear tubes, adenoidectomy and tonsillectomies.

 

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Filed Under: Raising Kids Tagged With: ailments, anxiety, dental, dentist, doctor, medical, parenthood, parenting, pediatric providers, pediatrics, provider, sick, teeth, tips

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Menaka Bharathi says

    09/05/2017 at 10:21 am

    Well documented and exclusive post. You have made the points self explanatory, true you need to do your research before choosing your pediatrician.

    Reply
    • jthreeNMe says

      09/05/2017 at 10:23 am

      Thanks, Menaka. I am glad that you enjoyed the post!

      Reply
  2. Andrea says

    09/05/2017 at 11:18 am

    Great tips. My daughter is only 2.5 so she has yet to be seen by a dentist. My dentist recommended that I bring her in with me around 3, so she can see that I’m okay. They are also going to let her sit in the chair and maybe that will make her feel more relaxed. You have great advice here. My daughter and I routinely brush our teeth together at night. We were having a difficult time with getting her to brush her teeth – or rather to stand in the bathroom long enough to do it 🙂 But, as soon as I made it a family thing, (and we brush and spit, brush and spit together) she thinks its so fun.

    Reply
    • jthreeNMe says

      09/05/2017 at 9:24 pm

      Thanks so much for commenting, Andrea. I am so glad that you enjoyed these tips. I totally get your bedtime brushing struggles, we have those same struggles when we try to brush after breakfast and before school. But, having child-friendly professionals makes all the difference. Two appointments ago was going to be my son’s first time going back without Mommy and I expected tears and him clinging to me, but he was so comfortable that he happily walked right back and I breathed a sigh of relief! Thanks again so much for commenting! 🙂

      Reply
  3. Emily | The Multitasking Mom says

    09/05/2017 at 9:13 pm

    Child friendly medical professionals are so so important for kids. We love our pediatrician and dentist!

    Reply
    • jthreeNMe says

      09/05/2017 at 9:25 pm

      I feel the same way, Emily! Thanks so much for commenting!!

      Reply
  4. Sandra Hexner says

    09/08/2017 at 3:28 pm

    Thanks for the great tips about bringing my kids to the dentist. Making sure that I make a conscious decision to underplay the dentist, so they aren’t scared of the dentist or the procedures. I’m like you and I can see how my worries could get in the way of my kids positive attitude towards the dentist. Hopefully, we can make a new start since we just moved and need a new kids dentist.

    Reply
    • jthreeNMe says

      09/08/2017 at 8:09 pm

      Hi, Sandra! Thanks for commenting and I am glad that you found the post relatable and helpful! Transitions are hard on kiddos and anything that can help maintain a positive outlook and attitude is key! If you find the right one, your kiddos will do great! 🙂

      Reply

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