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посещението при зъболекаря?

Be ready with familiar, calming strategies that currently work most of the time for your child and take what you need with you to your appointment. Allow for at least 2-3 options which may need to be different from the ones you use during the procedure, depending on your child’s preferences. A few examples include: 

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• Find a safe space for immediately after the appointment. If your child uses a buggy, the pressure of the harness can be calming, pulling down the hood could make it darker and less overwhelming, or they might want to curl up in a ball inside it for comfort.

• Find space for your child’s preferred stims. Stims can help your child feel regulated and calm. Many parents feel judged and self-conscious if their child is stimming, so having explained these to the dental team in advance can be helpful.

• Block unwanted sounds, by using ear defenders or favourite music and headphones.

• Allow them to hide inside a soft, comfy hoodie. The hood can help muffle sound, block some light and give a familiar touch sensation.

• Allow them to tightly squeeze or hug a soft toy or cushion. Some children like to bury their face in a small pillow, soft toy or a soft piece of their parent’s clothing with familiar, safe smell.

• Allow them to snuggle up in a favourite blanket with the ‘just right’ texture.

• Block out the light. If your child can tolerate head wear or glasses, try a peaked cap, sun hat and/or sunglasses to block some light on the onward journey. If you are in a car, a car window shade can be helpful.

• Offer a favourite and fascinating visual object to focus on – this might be a toy, sparkly reversible sequins or your phone for example.

• Consider distraction with a fidget toy. If this also provides deep pressure through the movements of their hands, this can be extra soothing. If your child finds vibration calming and already uses this as a strategy, you might want to include this.

• If your child uses oral stims, check with your dentist beforehand if a chew tool is safe after their procedure. An alternative might be sucking on a cold, damp flannel.

• Offer a new toy or novelty item, as a distraction. You might link this to their sensory preferences, for example, a mini fan, a new fidget, a light up wand, or a small scented plushie that can be held on the journey to your next destination.

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It may be helpful to avoid shops or errands after your appointment and to plan in a favourite activity after low demand down time.