What's Not "OK" About "OK?" - Observations In My Practice

Hello! I am a pediatrician who has been practicing for over 20 years in a private outpatient setting. What I've noticed more and more with parenting is that parents like to ASK their children if things are "OK"? 

Some examples are:

• "You need to get undressed for the doctor, OK?"
• "You need to hand over the cell phone now, OK?"
• "You're going to get a shot today, OK?"

Of course this leaves the door open to having the child respond by saying "NO!". This then gets the parent angry, which would also lead to a battle of wills. (However, you did ask if it was "OK?") 

My advice would be to NOT ASK if it's "OK" when it comes to certain important things like the above. You can state things in a kind, gentle, and matter-of-fact way.

Like this:

• "Time to get undressed."
• "Please hand over the cell phone." (or don't give it to them at all)
• "You will be getting a shot today to keep you healthy."

Try it and see what happens!

With love,

Christine Poulos, MD

Pediatrician

Back to Basics Pediatrics, SC

About Christine Poulos, MD

Dr. Christine Poulos is a pediatrician practicing in Algonquin, IL. Dr. Poulos is a doctor who specializes in the health care of children. As a pediatrician, Dr. Poulos diagnoses and treats infections, injuries, diseases and other disorders in children. Pediatricians typically work with infants, children, teenagers and young adults up to age 21. They practice medical care as well as preventative health care. Dr. Poulos can oversee and manage the physical, mental and emotional health of their patients.