There may be a number of reasons why you would consult a doctor or other health professional regarding your children's health. these may include, but not be limited to, some of the issues in the left menu.

These issues may be related to illness, injury, questions about general development or types of treatment available. You may also consult a practitioner to discuss or seek a referral for special needs, behavioural or emotional issues.

There can be a lot of anxiety surrounding a visit to the doctor, dentist or other health professional. For most generally healthy children, the only times they may see a doctor in the early years is for immunisation. Eventually they may need to go for something else - a cold, sport injury or even just to accompany you. And they'll be terrified, jumping to only one conclusion and demanding to know "Am I going to get a needle?"

Despite your reassurances, they doubt your sincerity as you've already tested their trust when "you ripped that Band-Aid off really fast when you said you wouldn't!"

It might sound like a cliché, but communicate honestly (to your best knowledge) about what is going to happen during the visit. Discuss the importance of health and a practitioner's role in child's well being. If this is in fact a "needle" visit, be up front about it, tell them how quick it really is and it only hurts for a few seconds. If your child's anxieties border on the hysterical, discuss skin anaesthetic solutions with your pharmacist.

Allow your child to take a comfort toy, negotiate a reward such as a sticker or trip to the park afterwards.

If it's your own anxieties about an uncommon issue or the management of your child's special needs, ask your health professional about support groups and counselling.