In our household, going to the doctor is usually a last resort. Is there a fever and sore throat? A dose of Tylenol and some patience should do the trick. A peculiar rash? A quick Google search, then a decision. That small cut doesn’t look too serious—just some Neosporin and a bandage will suffice. After raising four kids, I’ve learned that a wait-and-see approach often works just fine. I’m incredibly grateful that my children don’t suffer from chronic or severe health issues, so trips to the pediatrician are infrequent. However, there are moments when I must take them, such as for vaccinations or annual check-ups, and I am reminded of why I dislike the pediatrician’s office.
1. Unexpected Copay Charges
There I am, innocently checking in my child at the reception desk (15 minutes early, of course). The receptionist runs through the usual questions—has my address changed, is my insurance still valid? Then, without fail, she hits me with a surprise: “You have a $75 balance from your last visit. How would you like to settle that today?” I fumble for my debit card, trying to maintain my composure, while internally I’m questioning how I missed this charge and thinking of all the other things I could be spending that $75 on.
2. Forms I Can’t Recall
Oh, the endless paperwork. So many forms filled with questions that leave me scratching my head. While I can easily recall my children’s birthdates and weights, some details are simply lost in the fog of parenting. “When did your child start walking independently?” I have no idea—he’s 11!
3. The Germ-Infested Waiting Area
Regardless of the time of your appointment, expect to spend plenty of time in the waiting room. There are far better places to be than marinating in a petri dish of germs. One child next to me is coughing violently, another is clutching a barf bag, and yet another looks like she’s about to pass out from a fever. I feel for them, but I can’t help but imagine the germs swirling toward my uninfected child. If only I could wrap him in a bubble of hand sanitizer until the nurse calls us in (the exam rooms are probably just as germy, but at least we’d be out of immediate danger). The entire visit, I’m praying we leave without catching anything.
4. Battered and Bruised Kids
My children are always jumping, kicking, wrestling, and tumbling, leaving them with an array of bumps, bruises, and scrapes. They consistently look like they’re victims of a brawl (because they are—just not at the hands of their parents). I can’t shake the worry that the pediatrician will suspect neglect the moment we walk in. I understand that it’s part of their job to assess potential danger, but I hope they don’t misinterpret my kids’ perpetual battle scars. Once, my son had a sore that looked suspiciously like a cigarette burn. Thankfully, when the doctor inquired, he explained it was caused by a toy helicopter from his brother.
5. Kids Say the Most Awkward Things
When they’re infants, it’s easy to portray myself as the ideal parent—“Yes, we maintain a balanced diet!” and “No, we don’t watch too much TV!” But once they’re old enough to respond to the doctor’s questions, brace yourself. They might declare, “My mom thinks pickles are a vegetable!” or “I watched Ratatouille three times today!” The pediatrician’s knowing look and potential lecture can be quite daunting.
I recognize that access to quality healthcare is a privilege, and I genuinely appreciate the medical professionals who are there when my kids need assistance. However, I still dread that germy waiting room.
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In summary, while pediatric visits are an essential part of parenting, they come with their own set of frustrations—from unexpected costs and overwhelming paperwork to germ-filled waiting rooms and the antics of our children.
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