What is a common reaction parents should avoid when a child is choking?

Panic in front of a child can significantly increase anxiety and fear during a crisis like choking. Children look to their parents for cues on how to react in stressful situations, and if a parent displays panic, it can exacerbate the child's sense of danger. It's essential for parents to remain calm and composed to effectively manage the situation and provide reassurance to the child. This calming presence can also help facilitate a clearer thought process for determining the best course of action, such as performing first aid or calling emergency services if necessary.

Other responses, while they may not be optimal, do not create the same level of distress or jeopardize the situation in the way that panic does. For instance, attempting to make jokes could be seen as minimizing the seriousness of the situation, which might not be appropriate but does not directly harm the child. Offering food as a distraction could be misleading, as it might worsen the choking incident. Seeking help from bystanders can be a constructive step, as it brings in additional support during an emergency.