A child’s first appointment may be shorter if necessary – an hour may be sufficient, although an hour and a half is usual. Comfortable surroundings allow the child to play with appropriate toys, book and drawing materials as desired.
My observation of the child playing gives me a great deal of insight into the child’s character and in no way detracts from my information gathering. Babies are naturally, most revealing through observation and other siblings can attend if necessary.
I rely on the parent for detailed health and development information and this can be given at the appointment or separately.
Parents stay throughout a younger patient’s appointment but are also welcome to stay with teenagers, if this is what the young person requests. Usually we start all together and I will decide if a private conversation would be useful, if that is what is wanted. For teenagers, this one to one time with me, is usually very fruitful and allows a deeper engagement to take place.