November 2007

Dealing with kids

by Dr. Ogi Ressel

I've been a bit heavy‑handed in my last few columns, so let's lighten things up a bit.

Many doctors ‑‑ especially my male colleagues ‑‑ are totally lost when it comes to handling children in the office. They ask, "What do I do with these little people? They scare the hell out of me." Relax, I tell them, it's easy! You just need to think like a kid. And, here men definitely have the advantage ‑‑ because most never really stop being one. I remember my wife often yelling at me, "Ogi, grow up!" I think all the wives and girlfriends out there will agree that it's just part of being a guy. We're all kids... but the toys cost a bit more now!

Okay then, you're a little nervous seeing kids. So what? I mean, that's what anti‑perspirant is all about, isn't it? So what if your shirt's soaked inside ‑‑ everybody gets nervous at times, but why now? It's only a child! I mean, here you are, a grown up, with a college education and a degree, and you feel totally intimidated by this very short and cute seven‑year‑old in front of you. To make matters worse, she asks you straight out, "Why are you sweating?"

Here's where you, a rationally thinking, well‑adjusted adult ‑‑ one who's spent years studying the art and science and philosophy of chiropractic ‑‑ start to babble defensively.

This seems to be a common scenario for many doctors who aren't accustomed to seeing children. But, believe me, like anything else, it does get better the more children you see. That's why they call it practice.

The idea of having kids behaving in your office AND actually enjoying the experience of seeing them (and them enjoying you as well) is rooted in the fact that you need to play with them. I don't mean you need to play on your carpet with games and toys and blocks. Just play and make the whole visit "thing" a game.

Here are some examples of what I do.

Walking beside a five‑year‑old, I'll often ask, "Why are you so short? Have you been this short for long?" The child would beam up a smile, giggle, and say, "I'm little, silly." I made a friend.

And there's nothing wrong with threatening kids playfully: "I'll rip out your liver" or, "I'll tear off your kneecaps... if you don't behave." Of course, you say this with mock seriousness. Parents will look at you horrified, but the kids will tease you and laugh and want you to go on!

For the child who is a bit older and you are examining his mom and you know that if he gets bored he'll be in orbit around your office, you may want to give him a task.

"Bobby, I'm going to put you on a mission. I want you to go to the children's house in the reception area and I want you to test all the toys to see which ones don't work. And, then I want you to draw and color all the toys that are NOT working. Okay? Go!"

Now you have peace and quiet with mom for 10‑20 minutes.

However, if the children are little, they won't feel comfortable leaving their mom while she's being examined.

If they're boisterous, I tell them: "I want you to sit down on the floor, your backs to the door, and fingers on lips. And if I ever see your finger off your lips, there will be serious consequences. I'll feed you to my pet frog... I'll remove your toes... I'll make you eat liver!" The kids giggle, laugh, and have fun. BUT...they do as I say. Many moms actually ask me whether I give classes! They tell me, "you're so good with my kids. ....and they listen to you."

(Yes... it's fear!)

You can also have a sign in your office that reads: "To all parents ‑‑ if your children are misbehaving, they will be given an espresso and a free puppy."

Parents will appreciate being told in a humorous and pleasant manner that they are to be in charge of their children while in your office and that your CAs do not baby sit. Trust me, your staff will thank you.

Another good sign: "Insanity is hereditary. You get it from your kids." This one says it all. Parents will totally get your message!

All right, so what do you do with these very short people while you're adjusting them? Simple. Say: "Trevor, when I adjust you, I want you to hold onto your belly button with both hands (the child is on his back). This is because sometimes it jumps off and I don't want to look for it. Last week we had a little girl who didn't listen to me and we're still looking for her belly button. Have you ever seen anyone without a belly button? It's not a pretty sight. Okay?"

Now Trevor has both hands on his belly button!

And of course you can really ham it up with kids. When I have a seven‑year‑old girl in the exam room with her mom, I love to ask, "So, tell me this, how many boyfriends do you have?" The responses are awesome and all moms pay close attention to the answers. The look on their faces says it all!

You're also welcome to get in touch with Dr. Jeanne Ohm (e‑mail ohmdc@comcast.net ) who has a wonderful kids learning program that she devised. It is awesome ‑‑ Power On. I've used it for years.

I hope this month's column has given you some ideas on how to approach the children in your office. Remember, make it a game. Have fun. The important thing is, don't show fear. Kids will sense it and then you've had it. They'll tell you to sit by the door with fingers on your lips!

(Dr. Ogi Ressel, author, researcher, and an x‑ray and pediatric specialist, teaches The Practice Evolution Program, the "fastest‑growing coaching program on the planet." Visit online at www.practiceevolution.com  and take the Practice Health Mini‑Checkup. Dr. Ressel may be contacted by e‑mail at drogi@practiceevolution.com  or by calling 800‑353‑3082. Interested in receiving his weekly THOTS "on seeing tons of children and families in your practice?" Send him an e‑mail and asked to be added to the list.)