Preparing Your Child for Their First VIP Pediatric Visit

Hi there! I am Dr. Anita Sabeti. If you are reading this, you are likely about to embark on a new journey in your child’s healthcare. You have decided to move away from the crowded waiting rooms and rushed appointments of the past. You have chosen a model that prioritizes time, access, and a genuine relationship. Welcome to the world of VIP pediatrics.

As a pediatrician, I know that visiting the doctor can sometimes feel scary for kids. It can also be stressful for parents. You might be used to staring at a clock, worrying about exposure to germs in the lobby, or stressing that you will forget to ask a burning question in the seven minutes you are allotted. But concierge medicine is different.

I want to help you get ready. Preparing for this appointment is not just about gathering immunization records; it is about shifting your mindset. We are going to set the stage for a long-term partnership. Here is my comprehensive guide on preparing your child for their first VIP pediatric visit so that everyone walks in feeling confident and walks out feeling heard.

Understanding the Difference: Why This Visit is Special

Before we talk about packing bags or talking to your toddler, we need to understand the environment we are walking into. In a traditional practice, the goal is often efficiency. In my practice, the goal is connection.

Your first concierge pediatric visit is usually much longer than a standard check-up. We might spend an hour or more together. This means we do not have to jump straight into the physical exam if your child is feeling shy. We have the luxury of time. We can play first. We can talk about school, hobbies, or favorite superheroes. This helps build trust before a stethoscope ever touches their chest.

Because the vibe is different, your preparation should be different, too. You don’t need to prep your child for a “quick look.” You can prepare them for a visit with a new friend who happens to be a doctor.

Step 1: Setting the Tone for Your Child

Kids are incredibly perceptive. If you are anxious, they will be anxious. If you are calm and positive, they are more likely to follow your lead. How you talk about this appointment depends largely on how old your child is, but the theme should always be positivity.

For Toddlers and Preschoolers

For the little ones, less is often more. You do not need to tell them about the appointment days in advance, as that gives them too much time to worry. Telling them the morning of the visit or the night before is usually best.

Try saying something like this: “We are going to meet Dr. Anita today! She has a cool office and wants to see how strong you are growing. We might even get to play with some toys.”

Avoid using words like “shot,” “hurt,” or “pain.” Even saying, “It won’t hurt,” puts the idea of pain in their mind. Focus on the fun parts. Since this is a concierge visit, I have plenty of time to engage with them. You can tell them that I am a doctor who loves to listen to stories.

For School-Aged Children

Kids in elementary school understand a bit more about health. You can explain that this is a “meet and greet.” You can tell them that we are switching to a special kind of doctor where we don’t have to wait in a big room with lots of other people.

Encourage them to think of questions. Do they wonder why their stomach growls? Do they want to know how tall they will get? In our extended visit time, I love answering these questions. It empowers them to take charge of their own bodies.

For Teenagers

Teens often dread the doctor because they fear being lectured. The beauty of the VIP model is that it focuses on mentorship and guidance rather than just rules. Let your teen know that this visit is about their goals.

Whether they are interested in sports performance, skincare, or managing stress at school, we have the time to discuss it deeply. Remind them that part of this visit can be private. Giving teens one-on-one time with me helps them learn to advocate for their own health, which is a crucial life skill.

Step 2: The Logistics of Preparation

Since we have dedicated ample time for this appointment, I want to make sure we have all the data we need to get a full picture of your child’s health. In a rush-rush clinic, details get missed. Here, we want every detail.

Gathering Medical History

Because I limit the number of patients I see, I review your child’s history thoroughly. Before you come in, please try to gather:

• Vaccination Records: A complete history of immunizations is vital.
• Growth Charts: If you have records from previous doctors, seeing the growth curve helps me spot trends.
• Specialist Reports: Has your child seen an allergist, a cardiologist, or an orthopedist? Bring those summaries.
• Family History: We will talk about the health of parents, grandparents, and siblings. Knowing about genetic trends helps me practice preventative medicine.

The “Review of Systems” List

In a standard visit, you might only bring up the one thing bothering you the most. For your first concierge pediatric visit, I want you to bring the “kitchen sink” list.

Is there a weird rash that comes and goes? Does your child snore sometimes? Is there a behavioral quirk you aren’t sure is normal? Write it all down. We finally have the bandwidth to address the small things before they become big things.

Step 3: What to Bring on the Day

Making your child comfortable is our top priority. Since the environment is more relaxed, you can bring items that help your child feel at home.

Comfort Items

For younger children, bring a favorite teddy bear or blanket. I often perform a “check-up” on the teddy bear first. This shows the child what to expect and proves that I am gentle. If your child sees that “Mr. Bear” is happy, they are usually willing to let me check their ears next.

Snacks and Entertainment

While you won’t be stuck in a waiting room for forty-five minutes, having a snack on hand is always a good idea, especially for toddlers. A hungry child is a cranky child. Hydration is also key, so bringing a water bottle is smart.

Clothing Choices

Dress your child in loose, comfortable clothing. We want this to be easy. Complex buttons or tight layers can make the physical exam frustrating for a little one. T-shirts and elastic-waist shorts or pants are perfect.

The Experience: Traditional vs. VIP Pediatrics

To help you visualize why this preparation feels different, I have put together a chart. This highlights the differences in the environment we are creating compared to what you might be used to.

During the Appointment: Your Role as a Parent

When you arrive, take a deep breath. You made it! During the visit, your role is to be a comforting presence and an observer.

For the physical exam, I might ask for your help. Holding a toddler on your lap is often much better than putting them on an exam table. We can do almost the entire exam while you give them a hug. This is the beauty of flexible, personalized care.

If your child cries, that is okay. It is a normal reaction to a new environment. I am never in a rush. If we need to take a break and play with a toy for five minutes to reset, we will do exactly that. Please avoid scolding them for being scared. Instead, validate their feelings. You can say, “I know this is new, but you are safe, and Dr. Anita is just looking at your ears.”

You can find more excellent advice on how to help your child have a positive medical experience from the American Academy of Pediatrics on their website, HealthyChildren.org.

Addressing “White Coat Syndrome”

Some children have what we call “White Coat Syndrome.” This means their blood pressure goes up or they get very nervous just seeing a doctor. This is exactly why you chose concierge care!

In my practice, I often don’t wear a stiff white coat if it scares the kids. I might dress more casually to reduce that barrier. Because we are building a relationship, your child will learn that I am a person, not just a doctor.

If you know your child is terrified of doctors, please tell me before you arrive. Send me a text or an email. We can strategize. Maybe the first visit is just a “high-five visit” where we don’t do any medical exams at all. We just meet, talk, and they get a sticker. This investment of time pays off huge dividends later. When they actually get sick, they won’t be afraid to come see me.

The After-Visit Plan

The first concierge pediatric visit doesn’t end when you walk out the door. This is where the membership model really shines.

After the visit, debrief with your child. Praise them for what they did well. “I loved how you opened your mouth so wide for Dr. Anita!” This positive reinforcement sets the stage for the next time.

For you as the parent, this is when you can relax. You will likely leave with my direct cell phone number. You don’t have to worry about remembering every single word I said, because you can reach out to clarify later. Did you forget to ask about vitamin D supplements? Just text me.

We will also set up a schedule for follow-ups. Unlike traditional care where you might not see the doctor for another year, we might check in sooner to monitor specific goals, like nutrition changes or sleep training progress.

Embracing the New Standard of Care

Choosing concierge pediatrics is a choice to prioritize peace of mind. By preparing your child for this new style of care, you are teaching them that their health is important and that their doctor is a trusted ally.

We are moving away from fear-based medicine and toward relationship-based medicine. The first visit is the foundation. By keeping things positive, bringing the necessary history, and taking advantage of the extra time we have together, we can ensure your child grows up happy, healthy, and confident in their care.

I look forward to meeting you and your little one (or big one!) soon. Let’s make this first visit the best doctor’s appointment you have ever had.