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Traits to Look for in a Pediatrician

One of the most critical things that a parent can do for their child is choose a great pediatrician. After all, a child’s pediatrician will be the person that you look to for advice when they become sick, or even just as they go through the growing process. Therefore, your pediatrician has to be someone you can trust. Here are some of the best traits that you can look for in a pediatrician.

They are Accommodating

Children can get sick at any time. For that reason, you should be confident they will be available any time your child is sick. This means squeezing them in at the end of the day, moving around appointments, or just making sure that there are appointments set aside each day for sick child emergencies. A pediatric facility that is open during late hours such as Night Lite Pediatrics is a fantastic place to start.

They Answer Your Questions

Your pediatrician should be willing to answer your questions, whether you are in the office or calling over the phone. Even with the number of patients that most pediatricians have at a time, they should always make an effort to answer your questions. They should also make you feel comfortable to ask questions. Some doctors tend to make their patients feel as if they are asking a stupid question, but a good pediatrician will answer any question – especially when it pertains to the well-being of your child.

Comfortable with Children

Another great trait to look for in a pediatrician is a level of comfort with children. Face it, your little one has probably fought you about going to the doctor at least once. This is usually because the doctor’s office is scary to children. They are greeted with exam tools that they are unfamiliar with, may need shots, or are forced to go when they are sick. This sets the tone for an uncomfortable environment. While your pediatrician may not be able to ease your child’s mind about the doctor’s, they should at least be able to try. They should also be able to make your little one comfortable enough to get through the exam.

They Understand Parental Concerns

As someone specializing in childcare, pediatricians should also understand that parents will have concerns. You may have questions, or call the office with worries about a possible symptom or a rash. They should always feel comfortable answering your questions and concerns, regardless of how silly they may seem.  Another part of this is always respecting a parent’s wishes. Not every pediatrician has the same style, just like not every parent has the same style. While they can encourage you to pursue a line of treatment, they should also respect when you do not want to do that. However, if you trust your pediatrician, then remember that they do have your child’s best interest at heart!

Good at Developing Relationships

Your pediatrician’s ability to develop relationships is important – when it comes to parents and children. When it comes to your child, your pediatrician should build a trusting relationship. Your child should be able to understand that when they are sick, their doctor can help them out. Additionally, your relationship with your pediatrician should be comfortable. You should feel confident that you can come to them whenever your little one is sick, or even if you just have a question about keeping them healthy.

When you choose a pediatrician, there is a lot more at stake than your child’s health. With any luck, you will have a long-lasting relationship with your child’s pediatrician. For this reason, you should be sure you choose a pediatrician with all of the right characteristics.