Behaviour guidance
Use age-appropriate language, tell-show-do, positive reinforcement and shared planning. Escalate anxiety management when needed.
Understand
Behaviour guidance relies on trust, predictability and communication suited to developmental stage. Anxiety, neurodiversity, previous experience and caregiver dynamics affect cooperation.
Assess
Ask the child what worries them and observe responses. Use tell-show-do and choices within safe boundaries; consider whether urgent pain changes the approach.
Apply
Plan a tolerable visit sequence and use appropriate sedation or GA referral only when indicated. Avoid labelling a child uncooperative without exploring the reason.
Key distinctions
Tell-show-do works when the child can predict the next step, but not every child responds to the same technique. Pain, fatigue, sensory sensitivity and trust matter. A successful short visit may be clinically valuable if it makes later definitive care possible. Informed assent and carer involvement should support, not override, the child's experience.
Think through a case
A child with sensory sensitivity refuses a noisy handpiece but accepts an examination after a quiet introduction. Adjusting the environment may change what care is possible.
The distinction to remember
Do not equate distress with deliberate non-compliance. Ask the child and carers what has helped before.
Test your recall
What is the aim of tell-show-do?
Show answer
To build understanding and cooperation by reducing uncertainty.