Dentist Visits
Ease your child's worries about visiting the dentist.
Describing what will happen at the dentist can help visits go smoothly. Prepare by explaining the important job dentists do: they check teeth to make sure they are healthy. You can mention what kids might experience:
- Sitting in a big chair
- Having their teeth counted
- Having pictures (x-rays) taken of their teeth
- Having gooey fluoride put on their teeth
- Getting their teeth “tickled” by a special kind of toothbrush
Try acting out each step of the visit. Then ask kids to pretend to be the dentist and practice each step on you or on a stuffed animal (just pretend it has teeth!). As you pretend together, encourage kids to ask questions and share any worries.
Lessening Children’s Fear of Needles
Preparing, distracting, and comforting your child can go a long way in helping them get through these moments.
Listen, Feel, and See with Elmo
When children are in the hospital, this mindfulness game can help them soothe themselves.
Sleep Struggles... and Successes
Questions, Questions
Wellness visits are important moments to check in about your child’s growth and development, and good conversations are the cornerstones of each visit.
Time to Rest, Elmo!
An act-along story to help Elmo get some sleep!
Making Needles Easier
Needles can be scary, but there are ways to lessen your child’s fear and anxiety.
Elmo’s Magic Blanket
When Elmo is sick and has to stay in bed, he plays pretend with his blanket or sheet.
