Debate going on at our house
Labels: debate 3 commentsOn Monday, I took Payton to get a physical at the pediatrician's office. When they called her name, I stayed in the waiting room because the last visit we had, I received a letter in the mail stating that teenagers should go back without parents. Payton went back alone.
Several minutes later, the doctor came out and got me to join them in the examining room. She said she wanted me there and I explained about the letter and she seemed confused.
Payton had her physical and afterward, she told me that before I got into the room the doctor was doing the normal lecture on drugs, alcohol and sex and Payton said the doctor also said "...and you know you should wait until marriage to have sex, right?"
Ok then. This bothered Payton and it bothered me. I have no problem with the doctor addressing the physical/biological effects of negative behavior but imposing morality for her future stepped over a line for me. I kept thinking about, discussing it with friends and coworkers and finally decided to call the doctor's office to express my concern that imposing morality (particularly one-on-one with a child) isn't really professional and that the doctor should probably stay with the biological discussion of various activities. They said they'd note it in my chart but I said it wasn't about me, it was about professionalism and boundaries.
Andy doesn't agree with me on this. He says that he sees nothing wrong with it. I see it as unprofessional and besides, the advice doesn't work. I think 18+ year olds should make decisions about their lives that are responsible and make sense for them whatever that may be.
What do you think? Was the doctor out of line? Or was it no big deal?
11:54 PM
It does seem like an odd thing for a doctor to say. I think you have every right to say something if it bothers you.
1:06 AM
I find that weird that a doctor would say such a thing. Does he really think that teens don't have sex? If Payton chooses to have pre-martial sex, that's her choice. It might be time to take her to a family doctor and not this pediatrician.
12:30 PM
I think the doctor was 100% out of line. I would have been very upset. He needs to keep his opinions and views out of the work place and just be a doctor. It would be like the doctor trying to push religion his patiets. It is none of his business what your daughter decides to do with her life in that aspect.