1. Work with Your Child's Schedule
When you call the office to make an appointment for a well-child check-up, try to keep your child’s normal schedule in mind. If she always naps at 1 in the afternoon, you probably don’t want a 1:30 appointment. Don’t ask for the first appointment of the morning if your child is a late-sleeper and is usually cranky in the morning. You won’t always have an ideal time, but if you can plan in advance, it will make everyone happier.
2. Don't Make Promises or Threats
One of the biggest recipes for disaster is when I walk into an exam room and am greeted by a child who happily proclaims, “Mommy said NO shots today!” Please don’t make promises about what may or may not happen during a visit to the pediatrician. Your daughter may not need an actual vaccination, but a finger stick to check her iron level can be just as upsetting to a young child. I may not know exactly what your child will need until I examine him, so any early promises can backfire. I want your child to trust me and know I am trying to care of him
3. Write Down Your Questions or Concerns
Believe me, it happens to everyone, even me (remember, I’m also a parent of two young children). You’re driving home from a visit to the doctor and realize you forgot to ask something. There’s a lot to cover in a well-child visit and if your child is upset or anxious, you can easily forget about your questions or concerns. One of the best things you can do is write things down before you come to see me. If your list is very long or concerns something serious, I may need to call you, but many things can be discussed during your office visit. Always feel free to call your doctor when you have a question, do not try to guess how to use a medication, wonder about a new diagnosis or wait until your next visit.
4. Be Honest with Your Doctor
Well-child check-ups happen once a year after the toddler age, so a lot of changes have occurred in your child since I last saw him. Pediatricians use developmental standards and milestones to make sure your son is growing and developing with his age group. This does not mean that every child meets these criteria at the same time or that something is wrong if we see a delay. Child development is an amazing and complex process, and I rely on a lot of information to see how your child is doing. Much of this information comes from you, so it is very important for you to answer honestly. Don’t think that I’m judging your skills as a parent or thinking less of your child, my only goal is to care for your child as best as I can.
5. Leave Satisfied
You should leave my office satisfied with your visit and your experience. I do not want a parent to leave feeling unsure about a new prescription or confused by an explanation. If something isn’t right, please tell your doctor, a nurse or one of the office staff. Remember that although pediatricians see a lot of patients, each one is important. Pediatricians want to help you raise happy and healthy children.
