What Should Parents Expect of Their Pediatrician when They Are Worried about a Child?
by Howard S. King, MD, MPH The following guide was developed to act as a resource to help parents ponder ‘next steps’ and develop strategies when they meet with their pediatrician or primary health care provider about concerns for their child’s wellbeing. Having a trusting relationship between the professional and the family is at the core of success in minimizing anxiety and getting answers to your concerns. Basic principles * Confidentiality —Parents should expect that whatever you talk about will be confidential and will be shared with no one, e.g. a teacher or a therapist, without permission. * The nature of the visit — Parents should expect to be listened to in a caring and compassionate way, with a respectful and non-judgmental attitude on the part of the doctor. Problems like these can happen to anyone, including a pediatrician, nurse, teacher, or a psychologist. We are all in this together. * The role of “stigma” — Parents may be fearful of experiencing a sense of shame. Why is
