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Fun Ways to Reward Your Child for a Successful Dental Appointment

Going to the dentist doesn’t have to be an unpleasant activity. In fact, if you plan a fun activity after the dentist, it can be something that your child looks forward to. The first step is to decide how you’re going to present the reward to your child.

It’s generally not recommended to make the appointment dependent on any particular outcome. For example, you don’t want to tell your child that if they have no cavities that you’ll take them to the zoo. This is bribery and it can actually teach your child to fear going to the dentist. The stress of maybe having a cavity may be too much for them.

However, you can reward them for their behavior at the dentist. You can tell them that if they are well behaved and co-operative at the dentist, you will go to the zoo afterward. Avoid saying things like, “Don’t cry,” however, because sometimes you just can’t help it and you have to cry.

You just want your child to do their best and to look forward to the appointment because you’re going to do something fun afterward. So what can you do that’s fun? Oh, the possibilities are endless.

– Go to the bookstore or library and get some books

– Go to a movie

– Head to the park and enjoy some time outside

– Go bowling/roller skating/ice skating or some other activity that you may not often engage in

– Go to the zoo

– Visit the aquarium

– Take in a sporting event

– Go for lunch together

– Go to the toy store

– Rent a movie and watch it at home with a favorite snack

– Get their nails painted

– Go for a bike ride

– Stay up late with mom and/or dad

– Make some art/buy some art supplies

– Play a game with mom and/or dad

– Have friends over to play

– Make something together in the kitchen

– Choose what’s for dinner

 

The list can go on and on and depends largely on the age and interests of your child. If they’re old enough, consider asking them what they want to do after their appointment. You can also schedule the appointment for later in the school day so that your child doesn’t have to worry about missing too much school but may have some fun and satisfaction about missing a little bit of school.

Your child will have their own ideas about how to have fun after the dentist. And by making the day a positive one with a focus on fun, it can not only distract them from thinking about the dentist, it can actually help them think more positively about the dentist. They might actually look forward to their semi-annual check-up.

 

 

 

Fun Ways to Reward Your Child for a Successful Dental Appointment Riverview FL 33579