We’ve Been Meaning To Tell You… (Part 1)
These pros have got manners advice for you and you better take heed.
We Filipinos are an awfully polite bunch. We’re the type who cannot say things to other people’s faces — even if these things are valid and reasonable. With this in mind, we’ve rounded up five (5) people parents are often in contact with — your child’s pediatrician, preschool teacher, yaya / nanny, your ob-gyn and dentist — and asked them what they most want to tell you but can’t, until now.
Your Child’s Pediatrician
Mommy, your time is up
My 20 to 30 minutes with your child is sufficient for history review, examination, and injection. Consider the other patients waiting in the line.
Please don’t bring the whole barangay in tow
Having Lolo, Lola, Tito, and Ninang on your unica hija‘s first check-up is adorable — but no longer on the second and even more so on the 10th. You and her yaya are enough for your child’s entourage.
Self-medicating is very dangerous
Dosage computation varies with your child’s condition. You may end up overdosing or under-dosing. Either way, this is life-threatening.
Follow-up checkups need to be… er… followed
Please don’t conveniently forget about it. Sometimes, you come back weeks or even months behind schedule — and you wonder why your child’s condition hasn’t improved.
“Unli-texting” doesn’t fall under the cellphone consultation category
Call me please or better yet, come to the clinic with your baby. Don’t get used to sending your baby with her caregiver while you’re on the other end of my cellphone.
Your Child’s Teacher
When your child shows signs of developmental delay, don’t be in denial
Be open to what your child’s teachers observe. The faster you catch it, the easier it will be to nip it in the bud.
Please mind your manners when dealing with us
Some parents can be rude to their kid’s teachers and “talk down” to them. Please treat us as equals; we are here to help your child.
Please watch what you say
Children are like sponges. They take in everything, be it negative or positive. And they come to school with stories of what happened at home.
Falls and punches. Scratches and squabbles do happen
Accidents, no matter how much care we observe to avoid them, inevitably ensue.
Towels, frames, and mugs are good gestures of appreciation
A spa gift certificate, even better, but a thank-you note is still the best. an attitude of gratitude on your part is our no-fail heart-warmer.
