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Raising children? Have to deal with someone else's? Considering a family?Let's talk kids!Claudia Quigg hosts this weekly reflection on best practices, experiences, and research related to child rearing and parenting. Thursdays at 12:50 PM and 7:50 PM

Let's Talk Kids - "A Shot in the Arm"

Claudia Quigg headshot
mattpenning.com 2010
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WUIS/Illinois Issues

It was midnight when our toddler awoke with an astronomical temperature.  We hated to wake him, but our pediatrician responded eagerly, as though he’d been sitting by the phone waiting for our call.  Dr. Chiligiris listened patiently as we frantically described her fever, then assured us he would wait while we put down the phone and went to check on more symptoms.  After a short time, he’d talked us through a frightening episode, helped us plan a course of action, and bid us a peaceful goodnight.

Through all the years of raising our children, Dr. Chili joined us in our task.  He recognized our expertise about own children, and we appreciated his medical expertise.  He took whatever time we needed for questions of health or behavior or development.  He was there for us for everything from the really big stuff (like surgery) to the small annoyances (like head lice).

Statistically, pediatricians are the lowest paid physicians, sharing the bottom rank of the medical salary scale with family practitioners.  These primary care doctors don’t go into medicine expecting to get rich.  Instead, they see their work as a mission field.  Helping children be well is, for most of them, its own reward.

Parents spend a lot of time with their children’s doctors.  Together, they make critically important decisions.  They find themselves in the trenches together dealing with puzzling symptoms, late night fevers, and food allergies. We help doctors do their job better by communicating clearly—writing down our questions and listening carefully to their explanations.

Most physicians are glad to meet with parents prenatally to figure out if they’re a good match for each other.  Pregnant parents and a potential medical provider might have a short visit about things like feeding, circumcision, immunizations and office hours.

The key is finding a doctor you can respect who will also respect you and your child.  A medical provider who listens to you and collaborates for your child’s good health is a treasure indeed.  Her gifts of knowledge, partnership and patience provide a shot in the arm for parents and a healthy start for children—gifts that last a lifetime.

Claudia Quigg is the Executive Director of Baby TALK and writes the Let's Talk Kids parenting segment and column that honor the expertise parents have about their own children and explores issues that are universal for families. From toilet training and sibling rivalry to establishing family values, Claudia Quigg provides thoughtful and accessible insights that are meaningful to families' needs.
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