Should Peds/Family Docs Give You Parenting Advice? - Page 5

[psychethemuse]

I said "no". In my opinion, it's hard (for both the patient and the doctor) to draw the line between information about what to expect from my child at this age/what has been happening recently and advice regarding this.

Example: The doctor asks how my daughter is eating. I answer honestly. The doctor says that my (then) 12 month old no longer physically needs more than one feeding during the night. (Here's where it gets tricky) The doctor then suggests that I stop feeding her at night so that DD (and I) will sleep better. Doctor also hints that DD is probably getting old enough to sleep away from us.

: As long as DD is healthy and we are all happy, it's not the doctor's business.

[mommy68]

No. They are medical doctors. Even if I asked them for their opinion on something like co-sleeping or another technique I am using with my child as far as my "parenting" then they would only be giving me their personal opinion on the matter, not an expert opinion.

I remember when my oldest (now a teen) was a baby I remember his pediatrician telling me how wrong it was to co-sleep and he even used his own children as examples of how a child should be raised in most areas. I was a single mom at the time and a bit inexperienced so I guess he felt he had some "right" to tell me what I should do. I switched doctors back then and my son only went to that pedi for a short while due to him always giving me his opinion on things. I've come a long way and don't let anyone tell me what is right for my children or what parenting choices I should make.

IMO, even a psychologist or any other medical professional doesn't have a right to tell me how to parent. If I go to someone for expert advice then fine, but if I don't ask for the help then don't butt in. Unless I'm abusing my children then I feel it's no one else's business how I choose to raise them.

[Right of Passage]

I voted other. I haven't read through the thread so I might be repeating something. I see nothing wrong with a Ped giving advice IF they are a parent and only if the advice is parent to parent vs doctor to pateint because there is no scientific way to parent every child because all our children need a different set of skills when it comes to the issues we face (not sleeping through the night, when to start solids, when to potty learn, etc). It should also be made clear between the parents and care providers that any advice they offer is just their opinion and not fact. I like getting outside suggestions, I may not take it all or even most but sometimes there is something said that will work for me and I run with it!

[Bell]

I wouldn't mind. I can take his advice or not. It's my choice. Why not?

[holothuroidea]

I voted other.

YES pediatricians can and should give advice when appropriate.

NO pediatricians should never give parenting advice and call it expertise.

In other words, pediatricians are as qualified as anyone (actually much more qualified due to the volume of children that they deal with) to give advice. And because they are professionals in an area dealing with children I think they should be granted some amount of credibility. However, they are not childcare/parenting experts and should never claim to be or charge you for their services as such.

[AngelBee]

Interesting question :