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Bringing your child to the ER can be very stressful. There is an unexpected feeling that goes with it. Use these hints to take control and stay calm. Subscribe to Type-A Mom articles

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1) Pick a place that specializes in children. A children's hospital has the equipment and specialists to help your child deal with anxiety, and even toys to entertain them with. (It's a good idea the next time you go to your family doctor and ask thim where you will go if you have an emergency.)

2) Call your family doctor before you go. The doctor's office will help you decide whether you need to go to the hospital right away or if you can wait to see him the next day in the office. (There is also nurse lines that you can call and they can help you too, they are also available 24/7.)

3) Try to keep calm. Take some deep breaths and remember you need to stay calm for your child's sake. Don't let your mind think the worse, you don't need your child to start freaking out because they see you doing it.

4) Bring along your child's health history. Keeping an up-to-date record helps in a time like this. Keep track of illnesses, allergies, chronic conditions and any medications they are on. Also make sure this record is on you at all times.

5) Give your child something for the fever. It makes it easier for the doctor to examine your child this way.

6) Leave any other siblings at home. You need to give all your attention to your sick/injured child. Leave everyone else at home.

7) Prepare to wait. The sickest children usually get in first. If you are concerned that your child is getting worse, ask to have him reassessed.

8) Stay with your child. You being with your child is a good thing, they feel a lot calmer when you are around.

9) Don't give your child anything to eat or drink. If your child has a full stomach the doctor may not be able to operate or sedate your child. (Sometimes they will sedate your child for CT scans or routine blood tests.)

10) Let your child know what they can expect. Tell them that a doctor will examine him and depending on what's wrong, will help him get better by cleaning cuts or giving x-rays. Your child will be a lot calmer if they know what to expect.

11) Tell the doctor all the facts. Explain the how and when, and where they have the pain. If you need to describe symptoms go ahead. Good information can help the doctor's diagnoses.

12) Don't lie about anything to your child. Don't say something won't hurt when it will. Tell the truth but then throw in a positive: "It may hurt a bit but it won't last long."

13) Get your child to relax and not be so scared. Hold them and talk to them softly. Remind them you won't leave and the doctor's will help as fast as they can.

14) Distract your child from the pain. During the uncomfortable times distract them.

15) Make your child comfortable. If they need something like a blanket get one for them. If the room is bright, turn off the lights. You need to be the voice for your child, so make sure you speak up.

16) Ask questions. If you're not sure about something ask. It's a doctors job to answer any questions you have.

17) Bring change. Many times cell phones aren't allowed in hospitals. So you can make a phone call or get a quick snack (for you) at the vending machine.

18) Be sure that the discharge instructions are clear. Make sure you know how to care for your child at home., or you know what to do if the symptoms don't improve or get worse when you get home. If you don't understand something ask about it now, it's easier then trying to get the information later.

19) Follow up with your family doctor. Let your doctor know you were at the ER. Most times the ER will send a report ro your doctor. It's still good to still let the doctor know.