Srinivas Gada gives some tips that should make your contact with children more enjoyable for both parties

Do

• Smile (or look saddened) as appropriate; maintain good eye contact; being calm shows you are in control
• Acknowledge and greet the child; talking to parents or carers first gives the child time and space to relax
• Observe, wait, listen (remember OWL); careful observation and attentive listening can provide valuable information and improve cooperation
• Give simple and clear information; take time to state your expectations; the enemy of cooperation is hurry
• Act out; imitating with a doll what you want the child to do can be helpful
• Giving choice empowers children: "Do you want me to examine you on mummy's lap or on the bed?"
• Play; adapt yourself to the situation; children engage better while having fun
• Distract; talk about their interests, their school, their likes and dislikes, and so on while you examine: "I like Liverpool too, but I am sad because Michael Owen is injured." Make use of play therapists, nurses, parents, or carers to play and distract
• Children like to hear positive things about themselves; by giving enthusiastic praise you hit the emotional jackpot
• Acknowledge the child's feelings; appreciate his or her struggle with a word, for example, "Mmm," "I see"; congratulate the child on their effort
• Have some quick fixes up your sleeve--give rewards like stickers or superstar certificates, or play with a special toy
• Life is not perfect; if things do not work out, stand back; think; evaluate; and come back

Don't

• Stand over a child; do not use force
• Promise things you cannot deliver; be truthful
• Express your frustration; avoid blame and criticism.
• Expect same things at different ages; communicate on the child's level
• Rush; avoid too many questions; do not rush with answers

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