by Lyn Lomasi, Staff Writer ![]() Your toddler is having a meltdown that takes the effort of four nurses just to get a look at her ears. Ten minutes later, they are still trying to get her to say "ah" to do a quick strep test. If this sounds like your child, you could use some help soothing those doctor's visit tantrums. The methods I used on my own children have been put to the test and proven successful time and again. Bring distractions to the doctor's office. Healthy snacks, like trail mix, work wonders for keeping kids in a good mood. It also keeps them busy during less comfortable moments. Books and toys can come in handy for the waiting time, as well as during stressful times. Crayons and a coloring book can soothe the nerves and keep a toddler's mind off other things. When tantrums occur, distractions are often more effective than words for toddlers. They may tune out your voice. But their eyes may light up at the sight of something fun.
Have a soothing item handy. Even if you use other items for distraction, always have a special item for dire situations. This should be whatever soothes your toddler. In case a tantrum occurs at the doctor visit, this will be your secret weapon, so to speak. It might be a favorite blanket or toy. As long as it is something your child is very attached to, it will do the trick for the moment. Use the other distraction items for minor issues and keeping your little one busy. Only save the special item for the critical moments, such as getting shots or any other moments your child may have a tantrum.
Hold your child during the examination. Most pediatricians understand that kids can get a little frightened. When my kids were toddlers, the doctor would let me hold them during the examination. Most every child sees their parent as a comfort zone. It's also easier to keep your child's arms from grabbing at the doctor or his instruments when he needs to get close. Plus, you get to hug your child right after the examination is complete, which will be a great soother for you both. Make it fun. Try turning the doctor's visit into something to look forward to. If you make it into an adventure, your child is likely to follow suit. During the moments when the doctor is not in the room, you can show your child around and explain things. Emphasize on what a cool place it is. You can make comments such as "Isn't it neat how the doctor can see all the way inside your ears with this?" "It's so cool that he can tell if you're sick or not just by doing this." "Good thing we have doctors to help us out." When kids hear these things, it is definitely more soothing than "Sit down and relax" or "Don't touch that. It's dangerous." You can keep them safe without making the doctor's office seem so scary and dangerous. *I originally published this via Yahoo Contributor Network
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by Charlene Little, Contributing Writer
Why Do Toddlers Cling:
Toddlers cling for many reasons. The first thing you must do is determine why your child is clinging to you so tightly. In most cases, clinginess is a reaction to their environment. Typically it means that they have anxiety about something, or they are fearful of something. Many times, this is a fear of being separated from the person that provides most of their care. Other times, the clinging child is responding to a change in their environment and feels that life is unpredictable. This is especially true if their is a new baby in the home.
How to Handle a Clingy Child:
Dealing with a clingy child can be difficult. Most likely, your nerves are shot, your house is a mess, and you are ready to pull out your hair. Responding to this feeling does not help the child it only causes more negative feelings. If your child is clinging to someone in particular, you should see that as a positive. They feel safe and close to that person and they have a way to feel comfort when they are upset. Do not punish the child for this behavior. The key is to gently persuade the child to release their proverbial suction cup on their own.
Identifying the Reason:
Identifying the reason for your stick tight may not be easy, but it is an important step. If your child responds the same way at the same time of day, pay attention their cues to determine what they want. Are they tired? Do they want to play? Are they just ready for some quite time? Once you figure out why your child is being clingy, you can then explain to them how they feel. Explaining to them how they feel can help you explain this to them in a way they can understand. If they can talk, it is even better because you can teach them how to express what they are feeling rather than cling to someone.
Predictability Issues
Making things predictable for your child can be very beneficial to both of you. If they know what to expect they are less likely to have anxiety. Even if you have the same schedule for your child everyday, they may not understand this.
Toddlers have limited, to no sense of time which can make things difficult for them to predict. Reminding them of that schedule can help them to limit anxiety. Let them know what happens next in their day. For instance, if they are playing, give them a ten minute warning before nap time. Not only will this reduce their anxiety, but it will also help build a sense of time and coordination. Following these steps is a great start toward building independence in your toddler. It worked for me, and it will work for you! Originally Published on Yahoo! Voices Recommended Reading
About the Author
Charlene Little is the mother of four wonderful boys and an active volunteer in her community. She owns a series of websites entitled Blog4UrMoney. She loves sharing information with people around the internet and is a regular contributor to Write W.A.V.E Media.
by Lyn Lomasi, Staff Writer
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Lyn Lomasi is founder and owner of the Brand Shamans network. She is your brand healing, soul healing, marketing & content superhero to the rescue! Running a network of websites, tackling deadlines single-handedly, and coaching fellow writers, brands, & entrepreneurs to be thought leaders is her top priority.
While rescuing civilians from boring content and brands, this awesomely crazy family conquers the world, managing Intent-sive Nature while going on Upstream Parenting adventures & lessons, sometimes in an RV. They strive to cuddle with lions and giraffes. Until then, they settle for rescue dogs and cats. By supporting us, you support a single parent, healer, and minority small business that donates to and/or stands for several causes, including homeless pets, homeless people, trans youth, equality, helping starving artists, and more! A portion of all proceeds from our all-inclusive store, Intent-sive Nature goes toward worthy causes. For guidance in the world of freelance writing or for advice on her specialty topics, Ask Lyn. Archives
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