Why Finding a Pediatrician You Love is so Important
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Finding a new pediatrician can be an overwhelming task because parents want the most for their children, especially when it comes to their health. Whether you are looking for a pediatrician in Cary or a pediatrician in Coeur d’Alene, you will want to find a doctor both you and your child will love. Here are a few reasons why.
They Know How to Communicate With Your Kids:
A skilled pediatrician is also an expert communicator. Oftentimes, kids who are younger have a difficult time relaying symptoms. They do not have the vocabulary for feelings they are experiencing for the very first time. And particularly shy kids might not want to speak up. Pediatricians who have been in the field for some time can easily navigate quiet children, whether they are too young, too shy, or maybe have a disability that makes it challenging to communicate. A pediatrician you love will get down on your child’s level. They will know what music, games, and TV shows are popular among young people and use that common ground to get them to open up. A good pediatrician will use props or games so kids feel comfortable in the exam room. Because getting your child to speak for themselves is so important for doctors to properly address concerns, a good pediatrician can build that bridge and encourage children to confidently speak for themselves.
The Long-term Provider-patient Relationship:
It is not uncommon to see the same provider throughout your child’s entire childhood. Some children continue to see their pediatricians into their 20s. Throughout your kid’s childhood, they will see the pediatrician for vaccines, sick visits, well visits, stitches, emergencies, and even ear piercings. Knowing all the time you will invest in your child’s health, it’s crucial to find a provider who you don’t mind seeing over the years. Also, the more a pediatrician gets to know your child, the better they will become at evaluating the nuances of their health and therefore providing better care. Research shows that children who continually see the same pediatrician are more likely to receive the correct diagnoses, and have better overall health in the long run. This is especially true for children with chronic illnesses like diabetes or ADHD. It’s shown that children with persisting physical or mental health issues manage them better when they stick to the same doctor.
They are the Gatekeeper for You Children’s Health and Well-being
While there is a lot of information available on the internet, parents can only know so much. The right pediatrician can help parents discover an unknown issue and advocate for the children both at home and in the real world.
According to one article in Parents magazine, the author tells a story of a pediatrician who advocated for a child. Ameera was in pre-K when her school teacher sent a note home to her parents asking if there had been a recent death in the family. Ameera had a sudden change of attitude and could no longer focus in class. The faculty decided she was not prepared to go into kindergarten. After large bumps were found on Ameera’s tongue, her pediatrician concluded that it was most likely strep throat, which can cause inflammation in the brain if it goes untreated. Sure enough, the test came back positive, yet the school would still not let Ameera enter kindergarten. It took her pediatrician, who was trusted in the community, writing a letter to the school, urging the staff to accept Ameera into kindergarten. The school did, and since then, Ameera has continued to develop throughout her education without issue.
They Help You Navigate Parenthood:
A great pediatrician will help you grow and learn as a parent. Because they are experts with kids, doctors’ opinions can be highly effective when you test out their advice at home, whether on how to get your toddler to eat their vegetables or how to get your baby to sleep through the night. They also understand what the standard milestones are, typical behaviors among children, and what may be a concern. Not knowing what is considered “normal” can be a source of stress for parents. Chances are they do not have to worry as much as they do, and a good pediatrician can help put them at ease. Parents and pediatricians can work together to find the right solution for the child.
Not only do pediatricians help shepard parents through trying times, communicate well with your kids, and stand up for children when they have to, your pediatrician will help set the stage for your child’s opinion of healthcare for the rest of their lives. It is proven that people who continue to go to checkups throughout their lifetime are overall healthier than others. No matter if you’re looking for a pediatrician in Highlands Ranch or a pediatrician in Cocoa Beach, finding a doctor you love will help keep your kids happy and healthy for years to come.