Little Heroes: How to Prepare Your Child for Their First Trip to the Osteopath
A first visit to the osteopath can be a bit daunting for children (and their parents!). At our neuroaffirming and inclusive Osteopathy clinic in Melton, we understand this and want to help make the experience positive for everyone. Here’s a few tips on how to prepare your child so they feel comfortable and confident about their first osteopathy appointment:
Explain the Visit
Simple Terms: Explain what an osteopath does in simple, reassuring language. You might say, “An osteopath helps make sure your body moves well and feels good.”
What to Expect: Describe what will happen during the visit, like meeting the osteopath, talking about how they’re feeling, and doing some gentle movements or stretches.
Make It Fun
Role-Playing: Play a game where you pretend to be the osteopath and your child is the patient. This can help them feel more comfortable and understand what to expect.
Bring Comfort Items
Favorite Toy or Blanket: Let your child bring something comforting from home to the appointment. A favorite toy or blanket can help them feel more secure.
Dress Comfortably: Make sure your child is wearing comfortable clothes for the visit. This can help them feel more at ease and ready to move around.
Stay Calm and Positive
Your Attitude Matters: Children pick up on their parents’ emotions, so stay calm and positive. Your confidence can help reassure your child.
Praise and Reassurance: Praise your child for being brave and reassure them throughout the visit. Positive reinforcement can make a big difference in how they feel.
