In our household, heading to the doctor’s office is more of a last resort than a regular occurrence. Fever and sore throat? Just some Tylenol and we’ll ride it out. Strange rash? Let me consult Google first. That cut looks minor—just a bit of Neosporin and a bandage should do the trick.
After having four kids, I’ve learned that the wait-and-see method often works well for us. Thankfully, my children don’t have any chronic health issues, so trips to the pediatrician are generally infrequent. However, there are certain situations, like vaccinations or annual check-ups, that force me to confront the reasons why the pediatrician’s office doesn’t rank high on my list of favorite places.
1. Unexpected Copays
Here I am, innocently checking my child in (15 minutes early, of course) when the receptionist throws a curveball at me. “You have a $75 balance remaining from your last visit. How would you like to pay that today?” I awkwardly fumble for my debit card, trying to appear calm, but inside, I’m wondering how I missed that bill and what other things I could have spent that $75 on.
2. Forms I Can’t Recall
So many forms. So many questions I can’t remember the answers to. I can recite my kids’ birth dates and a few other basics, but when it comes to specific developmental milestones, I’m at a loss. “When did your child start standing independently?” Um, he’s 11! Who keeps track of that?
3. The Germ-Infested Waiting Room
No matter the time of day, waiting in the pediatrician’s office is practically guaranteed. There are few places I’d rather not be than in a room full of germs. The child next to me is coughing uncontrollably, while another is clutching a barf bag. The one across from us looks miserable and feverish. As I watch, I can’t help but imagine all those germs targeting my healthy child. I wish I could wrap him in a face mask and bathe him in hand sanitizer until we can escape to the exam room (which is likely just as germy, but at least we’re out of that waiting room).
4. Battered Kids
My children are always jumping, wrestling, and tumbling around, which leaves them looking like they’ve been through a fight. I worry that the pediatrician might think we’re abusive parents when they see my kids covered in scrapes and bruises. Once, my son had a sore that looked suspiciously like a cigarette burn. Thankfully, when asked, he explained it was a toy helicopter incident. You never know what kids will say!
5. Kids Say the Darndest Things
When they’re little and can’t talk back, it’s easy to come off as a picture-perfect parent. But once they can answer questions, it’s a whole different ball game. Suddenly, you’re hearing things like, “My mom says pickles are a vegetable” or “I watched Ratatouille three times in a row!” and you’re left hoping the doctor doesn’t give you the dreaded side-eye or a lecture.
I recognize that access to quality healthcare is a privilege, and despite my frustrations, I’m grateful for the medical professionals who are there when my kids need help. But still, I can’t shake the unease I feel about that germ-ridden waiting room.
For more insights about parenting and home insemination, check out this blog post on related topics. If you’re looking for reliable information about pregnancy, the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development is an excellent resource. And if you’re considering home insemination, Cryobaby’s kit is highly recommended.
In summary, pediatrician visits can be fraught with unexpected costs, overwhelming paperwork, and a germ-laden environment, not to mention the anxiety of dealing with kids who might unintentionally embarrass you. However, I do appreciate the healthcare professionals who support my family when needed, even if the experience can be challenging.