The staff here at HealthCare Accessories understands that clinic visits with young children can be stressful for everyone involved. Here is some advice to help make the visit as smooth as possible.

• Timing is everything. Try to make appointments that avoid nap time, feedings, or other similar activities.
• A snack or feeding before arriving for your appointment will often time help. Everyone can be a little grumpy on an empty stomach. Sometimes for longer visits, a favorite cereal or candy snack-treat during the appointment may be helpful as long as it doesn't complicate the visit.
• Bring something from home. A familiar or loved toy can often times help soothe a child. Please make sure it isn't too big that the child can not hold the toy by them self. Examples can be a stuffed animal, blanket, book, plastic toy, pacifier, etc. Toys with multiple loose or small parts are not suggested.
• Always be honest and reassuring with your child. Use simple, clear communication. Do not make promises that you may not be able to keep.
• Sit close to your child. In some instances, it may be helpful to hold your small child to assist the clinician.
• Children pick up parent's emotions. Try to remain calm and collected. Should you have questions that may upset the child, it may help to speak to the clinician in private.
• Some times it is helpful to distract the child. Be prepared to talk about what you and your child may plan on doing after leaving the clinic or some activities, people, pets, or a favorite game.
• Allow your child to ask questions of the clinician. Also allow your child to answer questions asked of them. This helps them feel ownership of their care and is especially important for adolescents and teens. While you may have the ultimate say in your child's health care, allow them to make their own choices when practical and assist your child in expressing any fears, special needs or general questions they may have.
• Remember to bring important information with you. Papers such as insurance cards, legal papers, and prescriptions.
• Write down any questions or concerns you or your family may have in regards to the visit before hand. This will help insure all your questions are asked and answered. Follow and write down any suggestions made by your clinician to facilitate future smoother visits.

 

Below you will see Alfunz standing outside his home. He is just one many cheerful characters you will find at many MeritCare Clinics and at the MeritCare Children's Hospital to make a child's visit a little easier.  All thanks to Detroit Lakes, Minn. artist Hans Gilsdorf.

The Village of Laffalot is home to Alfunz and other characters. Learn about Alfunz's home in the Village of Laffalot in "The Life and Times of Alfunz".