The Famous ChiroPediatric Top 7 Shared by: DrsWarner@chiropediatrics.com Top 7 Ways to Introduce a Child to His/Her First Adjustment The most critical chiropractic visit for a child is the first one. Therefore if you want the child to return, smiling and willing to receive the next adjustment, here are some tips to accomplish just that! 1. Before the child's first adjustment' allow him/her the opportunity to witness other children getting adjusted. Let them see the other children competing over who goes first, having fun, and leaving with balloons and stickers.! Children mimic other children's pleasurable experiences. 2. Have the child bring a favorite teddy bear or doll to the first adjustment. Let the child help you adjust the teddy bear or doll. Then adjust the child. Have everyone applaud and congratulate the child after the adjustment. 3. Explain that the noise that the child hears during the adjustment (audible release) is "popcorn" and is fun. Then play the "popcorn game." 4. Display pictures of celebrities and sports stars/athletes getting adjusted. Kids connect with their heroes and with the things they do to enhance their level of performance. 5. Invest in a pediatric adjusting table just for children (i.e., a horse table). Children like to identify their own special place. They will climb up the steps and be ready for you. 6. Have the child lie down on top of the parent who is lying supine on the adjusting table. This may provide a good beginning that you can transition from when the child feels more comfortable. 7. Have the child assist you in adjusting the parent. Let the child check the parent's legs and feel the spine, etc. This too will help the child understand what an adjustment is and how it is accomplished. Remember, your goal is to develop trust so the child will want to come back for their next visit. You want them to arrive for each adjustment, with eager faces and happy smiles that show they want to be the best that they can be. Turn the power on!