Eagle Dental Care - October 2017

HOW TO HELP YOUR KIDS

GETOVERTHEIR FEAROF THEDARK

For many kids, there’s nothing scarier than the unknown of a dark room. Luckily, there are ways to help your child overcome the terror they feel as soon as you turn out the light, and chase the beasts away for good, just in time for the spooky Halloween season.

The first step to curing a child’s fear of the dark is to find out exactly what they’re afraid of. Ask your child what scares them, using open-ended questions. Don’t belittle or dismiss their specific fears. As trivial as it may seem to you, it’s all too real to your kid. A simple statement like “I can see you’re really scared” can go a long way. Then, you need to ensure your child feels safe in the dark. Spend some time with them after the lights are off, calmly reassuring them that they’re safe in their bedroom. Show that there’s nothing to be afraid of, whether by shining a light into the closet or taking a look under the bed —with the child looking too — to prove there’s nothing to worry about. Empower them to banish their fears themselves. If they get frightened and run into your bedroom, escort them back to their own bed and help them relax. Their own bedroommust become a safe space. Only give your child healthy snacks before sending them to bed. Sugars and processed foods activate brain activity, putting your kid on high alert. Try vegetables, nuts, or string cheese. Of course, adding more light is always an option as well. Get a lamp with a dimmer that goes on their night stand, or plug in a few fun night lights. Over the period of a fewmonths, steadily decrease the amount of light in the room. Eventually they’ll be fully acclimated. Kara just joined our teamas a hygienist on August 14, but she already feels like a part of the Eagle Dental Care family. She’s a natural with patients, and her passion for dentistry is evident from themoment youmeet her. Maybe that’s because her love of the dentist’s office began at an early age. “When I was growing up,” Kara says, “I saw the same hygienist for many years, and I came to really value our relationship. My experiences were always great, and I want to provide the same connection to my patients now.” In addition to our wonderful patients, Kara is also a fan of Dr. Thomason and the entire team here. “They’ve made me feel welcome,” she states, “and I’m loving every day here.” Another thing that excites Kara is educating patients about the link between oral care and their overall health. “ I feel lucky to be involved in dentistry at such an exciting time,” she notes. “People are becomingmore aware about how important good oral hygiene is, and I’m thrilled to be able to help them understand themedical connection in a littlemore detail.” When she’s not in the office, Kara loves to spend her time exploring the incredible Idaho scenery. “I just moved fromVancouver, Washington,” she says, “and I’m loving all of the nature that Idaho has to offer. I’m sure I havemany weekends of hiking, camping, and fishing inmy future.” We’re so happy to have Kara here at Eagle Dental Care. Over the coming months, she’s looking forward tomeeting all of our patients and developing relationships that last for years. KARA

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