Halloween is known for being a spooky holiday, but it only comes around once a year. Meanwhile, visiting the doctor should be a regular occurrence. But small children, and even some adults, feel nervous walking into a doctor’s office. At Rapides Urgent Care, we understand- but there’s no reason to fear! We’re here to help make a visit to Rapides Urgent Care smooth, simple, and a good experience for everyone, no matter their age. If you’re bringing your little one in for sniffles or a cold or even a cut, here’s some things you can do to help keep them from feeling frightened.
Be cheerful and positive
Kids take many of their cues from their parents, so if you walk into an urgent care with a smile on your face and a cheerful attitude, that will help them to feel like there’s nothing scary waiting for them inside. Additionally, focus on positive and reassuring language, emphasizing the importance of staying healthy and strong.
Try to prepare them for the visit
Naturally if your child has a cut or illness that needs to be treated quickly, you may not have time to do this. But if you’re able to, explaining to your child that you’re going to Rapides Urgent Care and why you’re going there can keep them from panicking. Explain that the provider is there to help them stay healthy and that most visits involve friendly nurses, colorful rooms, and stickers or rewards for being brave. You can even create a positive association with the healthcare facility by playing “doctor” at home. Knowing what to expect can help your child feel more in control and less scared.
Let them bring their favorite toy
A good way to help them feel calm is by letting your child bring their favorite toy or book. By letting them do this, it will help them feel comfortable and secure, which is exactly how you should feel at Rapides Urgent Care.
Distractions aren’t always bad
If your child is afraid of needles and they need to get a shot, distracting them is a great way to keep them from crying. Letting them listen to music or read a book or even watch a video can help take their mind off of the needles.
No tricks, just quality treatments!
At Rapides Urgent Care, we know that making sure your child is safe and healthy is one of the most important things there is, which is why we treat patients three months and older. Our team works constantly to ensure that our smaller patients feel listened to and cared for, and that their parents feel the same. We strive to make sure that every patient, no matter their age, has the best visit possible, which is why we offer the highest quality of care with the highest levels of service. We’re here to help you all year-round, so stop in and see us, or book your check-in time online. You can contact us or ask us questions by exploring our website.