Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums Parenting and Advocacy How to talk to ped with DS in the room?

UGH! I once had a physician shame me for wanting to have an "alone talk" when my eldest started tic'ing like crazy and I didn't want to scare him. I don't remember what he said, exactly, but it was something like "I think it will be more traumatic to leave him in the waiting room." In retrospect, tics weren't as scary as I thought they *might* be (at that time, I had no experience and the internet was not very much fun--1996-ish?)

I think it's absurd to not be able to have a candid discussion with a provider, out of earshot. In my professional life, it's extremely uncomfortable when adults "overshare" in the presence of their children. Little pitchers/big ears.

We just had a consult with our ped re: our twins and didn't bring them to the appt. The ped billed it as a consult and insurance paid no questions asked.

Been there myself. Many times I ended up not giving the pediatrician the whole big picture. For my daughter I would give generalizations, when asked questions about grades. I'm not sure the ped. ever really knew the full details of her LD's.

What I did do when I was in this situation with my DS was to call and talk with the pediatrician on the phone. It's helps that I have known this doctor for almost 20 years now and that it's a small practice. I usually have to wait till she can call be back but I can then have the conversation out of the child's hearing. We have also done the trick of sending the child with the nurse for a few minutes.

I normally email ahead of time, or hijack my toddlers appointment with a few extra questions about DD. Dr has started just giving me specialist referrals without seeing DD...

Well DS solved it for me. I started to talk to him yesterday. I was going to use indigo's approach. I said, "When we go for your check up..." He said, "Mom! When the doctor comes in the room, can I leave while you ask him if I am getting a shot or a blood test? I don't want to be there to hear his answer. You can tell me when I come back in the room." Sure, no problem kid.

Thanks all!