Get Over Their Fear of the Dark How to Help Your Kids
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. You can 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 bedroom must 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 few months, steadily decrease the amount of light in the room. Eventually, they’ll be fully acclimated.
The Untold Power of Paperwork Stacy Vorono: Master of Maximizing Benefits
Anytime a patient comes in for treatment, there’s quite a bit of paperwork involved. This is where Stacy Vorono steps in to work her magic. She’s our treatment and insurance coordinator, and when it comes to examining policies to maximize insurance benefits, there’s no one better. “I started out in my career as a receptionist, but over time that evolved into more specialized work,” Stacy explains. “I really enjoy the work I do at A+ Family. I still do a lot of paperwork, but it’s an interesting challenge to look at all the information and create a plan to help patients to the fullest.” Stacy’s been on the team since last February, after she moved to San Diego when her boyfriend got a great promotion. Former residents of LA, Stacy and her
boyfriend enjoy the atmosphere and mild weather. The traffic isn’t bad, either! Since moving to San Diego, Stacy has also become a homeowner. “It can be pretty crazy,” she admitted, talking about their new house. “Every little thing is always going wrong. It’s the bathroom one day, then the kitchen the next. The experience has been a challenge, to say the least, but it’s awesome to be just 10 minutes from the beach. Plus, I do love having a home I can call my own. It’s nice to have a little privacy and your own space away from the rest of the world.” Well, we’re certainly glad Stacy’s space includes our office. She works hard behind the scenes to help patients, and we’re thrilled to have her!
P2 | A+ Family Dentistry | Aplusfamilydentistry.com
Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker