Clinical Tip: A vanishing act that builds rapport

Article

To develop rapport with young children new to my practice, I completely ignore the child at first while I discuss the medical history with the parents. Once the child is comfortable with me, I tell her (him) that I have a neat toy to show her-a retractible tape measure, the kind with a red button, which I carry in my pocket. I pull out a length of tape, then count to three and push the button to make the tape "disappear." To increase the child's interest, I pull out the same length of tape a second time, pause to see if it disappears, then pull some more so that the exposed tape is much longer than the first time. I count to three again and push the button to make the tape disappear. Now that the child is thoroughly intrigued, I hand her the tape measure to let her figure it out.

LeTrinh Hoang, DOArcadia, Calif.

Newsletter

Access practical, evidence-based guidance to support better care for our youngest patients. Join our email list for the latest clinical updates.

Recent Videos
John Browning, MD, provides practical skincare reminders ahead of summer season
Contemporary Pediatrics: RX Review: Updates and Unmet Need in RSV thumbnail
Contemporary Pediatrics: RX Review: Updates and Unmet Need in RSV thumbnail
Contemporary Pediatrics: RX Review: Updates and Unmet Need in RSV thumbnail
Staphylococcus aureus risk in infants and neonatologist considerations with Aaron Milstone, MD
How fragrance plays a role in atopic dermatitis treatments, with John Browning, MD
Octavio Ramilo, MD, reacts to the FDA approval of clesrovimab for RSV prevention | Image Credit: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
© 2025 MJH Life Sciences

All rights reserved.