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Posts Tagged "Children"

4Jun2022

What To Do and Not To Do When Preparing Your Child For The Pediatrician

It is not uncommon for children to feel scared or anxious before their doctor’s appointment. The fear of shots, a new pediatrician, or the unknown is a lot for a child.

You may be looking for a way to prepare your child for the appointment, but you want to ensure you do not make them feel worse. The following guide features tips on what to do and what not to do when preparing your child for the pediatrician.

What To Do When Preparing Your Child For The Pediatrician

The following tips can help you prepare your child for the pediatrician without escalating the situation.

Consider The Timing

Scheduling their appointment at the wrong time is a recipe for disaster, even if they are not afraid of the pediatrician. You should never schedule their appointment during mealtime or nap time, or you may wind up with a cranky, fussy child.

Talk To Your Child

Once you schedule the appointment, talk to your child about it to address any questions or concerns. Your child needs comfort and reassurance about the appointment, but they also need to know their feelings are valid.

Use Simple Words

Use simple words when discussing the appointment with your child. Using the wrong words or phrases may increase their anxiety. For example, let them know the pediatrician is going to see how much they have grown.

What Not To Do When Preparing Your Child For The Pediatrician

There are certain things you should not do when preparing your child for the pediatrician. The following actions can make the situation worse for you and your child.

Dismiss Their Feelings

You should never dismiss your child’s feelings when talking to them about the appointment. Listen to what your child has to say, and let them know you will be by their side the whole time.

Use Scary Words

Using scary words is a sure way to make your child feel scared or anxious about the appointment. Avoid any words or phrases related to the equipment or procedure, especially shots.

Lie About The Appointment

Do not surprise your child with the appointment at the last minute, and do not lie about where you are going on the day of the appointment. You also want to avoid lying about whether your child needs a shot.

If you are looking for a caring, professional pediatrician for your child, look no further than Kids 1st Pediatrics. Schedule an appointment for your child by visiting kids1stpediatrics.net.

Kids Staff
Pediatrics
28Apr2022

What To Consider When Choosing A Pediatrician For Your Child

There is more to choosing a pediatrician for your child than just finding the nearest office. First, you want to ensure the pediatrician is a good match for your family. This way, you have peace of mind whenever it is time to visit the pediatrician. To help you get started, here are several things to consider when choosing a pediatrician for your child.

Insurance

The first thing you should consider is the network of pediatricians that accept your insurance plan. Imagine finding a pediatrician and realizing they do not accept your insurance. Luckily, there are many pediatricians who are flexible on what type of insurance plans they accept.

Credentials

It is also important to consider the experience and credentials of each pediatrician. You also want to ensure they are properly trained and certified to work in the healthcare industry. Of course, you should also ensure they know how to remain friendly and patient when providing care to children who are nervous or fussy.

Communication

When choosing a pediatrician, it never hurts to read the reviews to determine their communication skills. If you see too many reviews stating that it is difficult to reach the pediatrician, it is best to skip to the next pediatrician on your list. You do not want a pediatrician who never communicates as needed.

Location

You also want to think about how far you are willing to travel for your child’s appointments. It is also important to keep your mode of transportation in mind. When searching through directories, you can narrow down your search to pediatricians who are closer to your preferred location.

Recommendations

It is always a good idea to ask for recommendations from family, friends, teachers, and other parents or educators. They may be able to recommend a friendly, reliable pediatrician who accepts your insurance plan. Once you have a list of recommendations, be sure to do your research before settling on a pediatrician.

You can also contact the office to ask if you can schedule a free visit to meet the staff. This way, you can determine if the pediatrician is a good match based on their interaction with your child. It also allows you to determine if the office itself is a good place for your family.

If you are looking for a trustworthy pediatrician for your child, consider Kids 1st Pediatrics. You can learn more about the office and schedule an appointment.

Kids Staff
Pediatrics
21Apr2022

How To Comfort Your Child Before Their Doctor’s Appointment

It is not uncommon for your child to feel nervous before their doctor’s appointment. So, of course, your child is going to look to you for comfort. Use the following tips to comfort your child before their doctor’s appointment.

Give Them Warning Closer To The Appointment

It would be best if you did not wait to tell your child about their appointment at the last minute because they need time to process it. However, telling your child too far in advance may cause excessive worrying. It is best to let them know a few days before the appointment and be sure to use a positive tone to avoid upsetting your child.

Talk To Your Child About Their Fears

Children usually rely on a routine to know what they can expect out of their day, so your child may want to talk to you about their appointment to get an idea of what to expect. It is important to listen and let them know their feelings are valid. If you brush the conversation off, they may have a hard time discussing their fears with you in the future.

Be Clear and Truthful About Shots

Most children want to know if they are getting a shot at their appointment. Lying to your child may cause you to lose their trust. If your child is due for a shot, explain that it only hurts for a second. If you are unsure of the answer, tell them you can ask the doctor at the appointment. Regardless, you should reassure your child that you will be right there the whole time.

Let Them Bring A Favorite Toy

You can help your child get through their appointment by allowing them to bring one of their favorite toys to the office. The toy acts as a distraction while providing comfort to your child. Allowing your child to bring their favorite toy creates a positive experience on the day of their appointment.

Plan A Fun Activity For Afterward

It never hurts to give your child something to look forward to after their appointment. You may want to take them to the park or ice cream shop, or maybe you are planning an evening of movies or video games at home. The activity should be set in stone, even if your child has difficulty managing their anxiety.

If you are searching for a calm, friendly pediatrician for your child, check out Kids 1st Pediatrics.

Kids Staff
Pediatrics
24Mar2022

How To Prepare For Your Child’s First Appointment With Their New Pediatrician

When taking your child to a new pediatrician, it never hurts to ensure you are fully prepared for the first appointment. You want to ensure it goes smoothly for everyone, especially your child.

Whether you are helping your child get through their first appointment or making sure you have everything you need, the following tips can help you prepare for your child’s first appointment with their new pediatrician.

Transfer Their Medical Records

Start by finding out what you need to do to transfer their medical records to the new office. You may be able to download and print them out using the patient portal of their previous pediatrician. Otherwise, you can always obtain a copy in person. It is easier for their new pediatrician to view your child’s medical history when they have a copy of their medical records.

Fill Out The Necessary Paperwork

You may need to fill out paperwork when moving to a new office. The paperwork may include your contact information, family’s medical history, and recent vaccinations. You may be able to download a packet instead of filling it out at the office, which can save you a lot of time and stress.

Talk To Your Child

It is not uncommon for your child to feel nervous before their appointment with a new pediatrician. When discussing the appointment, be sure to listen and reassure your child. They need to know their feelings are valid and that you are keeping them safe. If possible, find out if you and your child can tour the office in advance.

Bring A Comfort Item

You should also allow your child to bring a comfort item to their appointment. This may include their favorite toy or book. What seems like a simple item to you may help them to feel safe and secure. Their new pediatrician may even mention the comfort item as a way to break the ice with your child.

Check-In For The Appointment Online

There is a good chance the office is going to allow you to check-in for the appointment through the patient portal or text message. It is best to take the opportunity to check in early if it is presented to you. This way, you can save time on the day of the appointment because you have already taken care of this step.

If you are looking for a new pediatrician for your child, look no further than the friendly, professional staff at Kids First Pediatrics. You can find more information and contact the staff by visiting kids1stpediatrics.net.

Kids Staff
Pediatrics
17Mar2022

Signs You Need To Take Your Child To The Pediatrician

It is not uncommon to feel worried when your little one is sick, but you may be wondering when it is time to take your child to the pediatrician. After all, you want to avoid taking your child out of the house while they are sick unless it is necessary.

However, your child may need an appointment to identify an underlying cause or condition, such as dehydration, the flu, an allergic reaction, or the development of asthma.

Luckily, there are ways to determine if it is time to schedule an appointment for your child. Here are several signs you need to take your child to the pediatrician.

High Fever

If your child is three to six months with a temperature of 101 degrees F or higher or six months and older with a temperature of 103 degrees F or higher, you need to schedule an appointment with the pediatrician. You also need to call the pediatrician if your child is six months and older with a fever of more than three days.

Common Cold

The common cold is not uncommon in children, but it is time to schedule an appointment if it starts to become a problem. For example, if your child develops a persistent cough, earache, or skin rash or has difficulty breathing, you need to call the pediatrician as soon as possible.

Dehydration

It is important to call your child’s pediatrician if you notice signs of dehydration. The signs include headaches, dizziness, nausea, and dark yellow or brown urine. Your child’s pediatrician can let you know if you should treat your child at home, bring them into the office or take them to the emergency room.

Vomiting or Diarrhea

Children experience vomiting and diarrhea at times. However, frequent vomiting or diarrhea is another sign that your child needs to see their pediatrician. It could be the sign of an underlying cause, such as dehydration, the stomach flu, or food poisoning.

If you are still unsure if you should take your child to the pediatrician, call the office to discuss their symptoms. A nurse or pediatrician can help you determine your next step. Remember, it is always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your child.

Of course, you want to ensure your child has a reliable pediatrician who has their health and well-being in mind. If you are looking for a warm, caring pediatrician for your child, consider Kids First Pediatrics.

Kids Staff
Pediatrics
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