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Pediatricians Sound Off
What Doctors Wish Parents of Small Children Would Worry About
By Katherine Bontrager
"I would suggest that a parent appreciate the moment," Dr. Steltenkamp says.
Dr. Shu says she wishes parents would take more time to enjoy being parents and spend quality time with their kids. "It's not important to buy all the latest toys or leave the house," she says. "Sit down, relax, read together, draw, listen to music, play. Try not to overschedule yourself or your children. Reduce any extra commitments or things that are not necessities, so you don't have to work or be away from home and your child any more than you want to."
"Actually, I think parents are doing a great job," Dr. Rucoba says. "Most of the parents I see know their children very well. They know their strengths and weaknesses, they realize they're not perfect, but they are proud of them. They want the best for their kids, and are willing to sacrifice or do whatever it takes, but sometimes they don't know how, which is not too different than all the generations of parents before us. If anything, I think all of us parents need to live in the moment more. As a wise mother once told me, the days are long, but years fly by.
"Our kids will be grown up before we realize it. Appreciate the time you have with them now. Spend a few moments lying on the ground trying to see shapes in the clouds or counting the stars. Share an ice cream cone on a hot day. Help them with their homework. Just spend time with them. Think about your favorite childhood memories – they may include a special vacation or planned event, but most are the memories of everyday events. Treasure you children as the gifts they are."