The Role of Pediatricians in Raising Children

A great deal of research has taken place regarding the role of pediatricians in raising children. Parents and families can provide the best answers, as they know better than anyone if their pediatrician's accompaniment is or has been satisfactory.

The birth of a child requires the accompaniment of a significant number of people. But whether they are many or few, what’s most important is that their help and accompaniment is respectful and occurs within a framework of trust. Traditionally, aunts, uncles, grandmothers and grandparents, etc., take on the task of being available to help new parents. However, in the busy times we live in, that’s not always the case. And with that in mind, we want to talk about the role of pediatricians in raising children.

The role of pediatricians in raising children

Raising a child is no easy task and, in general, it depends on previous experiences, the existence of young children in the family, and the ways of bonding. Having the support of loved ones is essential.

At the same time, the Argentine Society of Pediatrics established that: “Pediatrics constitutes a basic medical area, of direct access on the part of the users, considered integral medicine for the attention of the newborns, infants, children and adolescents.”

When pediatricians set limits for parents

Parents are, in general, the ones who set the limits for their children. But what happens when it’s the pediatricians who set limits for us as parents? Strictly speaking, nothing bad should happen if the pediatrician establishes boundaries, as long as they do so in a kind and respectful way and they produce a positive effect – the same way we should set limits for our children.

The difference is that parents set limits for children who aren’t yet autonomous. They depend wholly on our loving guidance. On the other hand, pediatricians, by placing a limit on parents, are doing so with adults, with all that this implies.

The role of pediatricians in raising children: The limit as a guide and not as a punishment

We all know the importance of setting limits when it comes to our children. In this sense, setting limits for parents by the pediatrician may not be the right term. However, we seek to make an analogy with the importance of setting firm but friendly limits, without losing sight of the fact that the parties involved in this case are adults.

In summary

• Having a health professional, whether it’s a pediatrician or a family doctor, is a fundamental element in raising a child.
• Access to and understanding of health information is essential, and so is the ability of the professional to provide it in simple and understandable language.
• Pediatricians must be available to care for the child’s health and to answer questions and concerns of the parents.
• Parents shouldn’t be afraid to raise questions and concerns, as well as express disagreement with certain indications from time to time.

Finally, promoting healthy interactions between the pediatrician, the child, and the family represents an important task that will undoubtedly contribute favorably to the child’s health.