From Fear to Fun: How to help the disruptive child

This episode explores why children show disruptive behaviour in the consultation room — and how boredom or fear are almost always at the root. When we understand the emotional logic behind disruption, we can guide children toward cooperation with clarity and compassion.We cover:Why children repeat the behaviour that gets them the most attentionHow boredom after the examination triggers restlessness and conflictWhy siblings who aren’t the patient often become disruptiveHow to structure the consultation so the child knows what happens nextWhy giving the child a task (and a place to do it) prevents chaosHow immediate praise reinforces the behaviour we wantExamples of wanted behaviours to reward: coming when called, shaking hands, sitting in the chair, allowing the exam, playing independentlyWhy rewards must be immediate, concrete, and frequentWhy vague promises (“If you behave…”) and delayed bribes don’t workKey takeaway:The behaviour that triggers attention will be repeated. When we reduce boredom and fear, give structure, and reward cooperation in the moment, disruptive behaviour fades — and the consultation moves from fear to fun.