How would you react to this?

[LarsMal]

I took DS to the dr's for his 15-month check today. I was asking the ped how to handle DS's newly-discovered attitude and tantrums. I have been trying to ignore them or redirect him, once I tried time-out, but that didn't work (he's too young, I guess).

The ped told me to "treat him like an animal". He actually said that- he may have even said "dog". He said to get in his face and "growl NO" at him. I guess I understand his point- get on his level, make eye contact and tell him NO sternly. But did he have to say to treat him like an animal?! It caught me off-guard. I just kind of nodded and said okay, but was thinking- whoa, buddy, chill!

What would you have done? And is this really the best way to deal with his behavior? We do have a dog, so I'm used to that "in your face" discipline, but this seemed a bit harsh!

[brittone2]

Your ped is giving you one opinion of many out there. Certainly something I'd never feel comfortable doing or even hearing from my pediatrician. You can either let it go in one ear and out the other, or be more assertive and say "that's really not an option we are comfortable with as a family."

You did ask his advice, which IMO is different than him offering it unsolicited, but I agree, the advice would certainly make me uncomfortable. If you like him in general, I'd be inclined to just ignore his advice.

FWIW, a great resource on tantrums, etc. IMO is www.gentlechristianmothers.com. they have a gentle discipline board that is wonderful, even if you don't identify w/ being particularly relgious or Christian. The best advice I ever read on there is that tantrums are simply an immature expression of emotion from a little person. Don't punish the tantrum. It doesn't mean you have to "give in" to the cause, but the tantrum itself IMO isn't something to punish.

[LarsMal]

Thanks!
I'll check out that website. You're right, I did ask for his advice, and I think I know where he was going with it, he just had an interesting way of describing it!

This is our second ped since we moved here 4 months ago. I miss our old practice so much! I have met one other doctor in this new practice, and liked her, so maybe I'll just have to start requesting her.

I've had some weird experiences in this new town...the sonographer told me to look at the "bun with the hamburger in the middle" when she told us we were having a girl. The ped today told me to treat my son like an animal, and then when he was doing the exam he was trying to find his "peanuts" and "little berries"- his words, not mine!!!

[lisams]

It's only his advice, every ped will have a different theory on disciplining young toddlers. His does seem a little bit out there, though. Kind of reminds me an altered version of "Happiest Toddler on The Block" (which is a pretty good book as far as understanding young toddlers and their behavior, but he doesn't suggest treating your child like a dog!).

Hmmm, I don't think I'd follow his advice, but to each his own. Remember, doctors are only educated and trained in children's physical health, not areas of parental discipline/behavior etc.

[oliviasmomma]

You sure you didn't move to my town? This sounds all to familiar...

[C99]

You asked his opinion about something that isn't a medical issue, and he gave it to you. If you don't like his opinion, which it sounds like you don't, just ignore it and move on, same as you would if you asked your mother/MIL/friends/BBBers the same question.

[ChunkyNicksChunkyMom]

I would have peed on his leg.
Susan

#1 Nick 11-18-04
#2 Kate 04-26-06

[ShanaMama]

ROFL!!!! I wouldn't have thought to say it this way, but ITA with Susan. You crack me up.
To the OP- I am pretty shocked to hear a ped say that. I'd probably bring it up again, but if you're happy all around, it's not necessarily a reason to switch dr's.

[LarsMal]

LOL! Why didn't I think of that?! I should actually have had DS pee on his leg since he is clearly the "animal" in this scenario!!!

Next time I'll just post here and ask for advice!