Discuss appropriate behavioral guidelines for parents in dental clinics.

If parents wish to observe treatment, they need to be silent observers, allowing the child's attention to be focused on the clinician. Calm, neutral expressions convey important visual messages that all is going well. Slow, measured movements are equally important because they arouse fewer negative responses. Gentle touches on the shoulders by the parent or guardian are reassuring, as is gentle hand holding (as opposed to tight gripping), and gentle ankle stroking. All of these nonverbal cues enhance a child's sense of comfort and safety.