Every parent dreams of finding a pediatrician they can rely on and trust. While some parents are fortunate in this regard, others may not be as lucky. If you have a great pediatrician, cherish every appointment and maybe even surprise them with cookies during the holidays. They play a crucial role in your child’s development, reassuring you when you’re anxious about your new parenting journey. They administer vaccinations and provide you with invaluable advice accumulated over years of practice.
I’m grateful to have a pediatrician I respect and admire. He listens attentively and interacts wonderfully with my children. However, despite his extensive experience, there are some crucial insights he has yet to share that could have simplified my parenting experience. These insights might not be medical, but as my husband’s pediatrician for decades, he certainly has wisdom to share. Would it have been so difficult to enlighten me on a few of these truths about kids?
1. Sick Kids Don’t Know How to Be Sick
When my son is sick, the only difference I notice is the trail of snot he leaves behind. There’s no serene resting or peaceful cuddles—just double the mess and chaos.
2. Constant Physical Contact
Children have an uncanny knack for being in your personal space. Whether it’s a small hand tugging at your leg, my son using my head as a pillow while he sleeps, or my daughter asking for assistance in the bathroom, the physical contact never ceases. By the end of the day, I often just want a moment of solitude!
3. Incessant Chatter
Kids are relentless talkers. My daughter even manages to chat in her sleep! They narrate everything they do, think, or plan, leaving their parents yearning for a bit of quiet.
4. Overnight Growth Spurts
One night, I’ll dress my son in perfectly fitting pajamas, and the next morning—surprise!—he’s outgrown them completely, with little feet cramped into the toes and sleeves pushed up to his elbows.
5. Food Thieves
Children are notorious for only wanting food off your plate. If it’s on their plate, it’s destined for the floor. My meals suddenly become gourmet when they’re on my dish.
6. No Concept of Sleeping In
Unlike adults who relish weekend sleep-ins, kids seem impervious to the idea. Regardless of circumstances, they rise with the sun and expect breakfast to follow.
7. They’re Angels for Everyone Else
It’s a mixed blessing when someone remarks about how well-behaved my children were. I’m thrilled they’re not misbehaving for others, but why can’t they replicate that behavior at home?
8. Expectations of Omniscience
Kids seem to think parents possess all the answers. Questions about clouds, bodily functions, and the universe come flying at you, and all I can do is deflect them to their father!
9. Selective Memory
My son can remember promises made days in advance but somehow forgets pivotal plot points in his favorite movies after countless viewings.
10. Hands Down Pants
All mothers of sons can relate to this: instead of battling them to stop fiddling, we should probably focus on teaching them to wash their hands frequently!
These insights may not be what you expect from a pediatrician, but they certainly shape the parenting experience. If you’re navigating the journey of parenthood, you might find additional support and resources on topics like home insemination. Check out Make A Mom for helpful tips, and for a deep dive into the topic, Intracervical Insemination offers an inspiring perspective. Also, Facts About Fertility is an excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination information.
In summary, while pediatricians provide essential medical care, there are many everyday truths about parenting that they may not share. Understanding these realities can help make the parenting journey a little smoother.