The Doctor's Waiting Area - An Observation

I'm probably what one would consider a professional visitor of doctors.  Between my two kids and myself, I think we've visited a doctor at least once every month in the last 2 years.  So I've spent a fair amount of time in the waiting area of a doctor's office.

Since most of my visits to doctors are related to my children's needs - we spend a fair amount of time in waiting rooms with parents and their respective children.  It seems more often then not, the parent of the child sits in the waiting room with their magazine, book, cell-phone/smart phone or puzzle, while their child runs free or is so bored that they whine, cry and throw tantrums.  It never ceases to amaze me how selfish parents can be when it comes to taking their child to the doctors.

I noticed years ago, when my daughter was just a baby, the kids that were well behaved and well mannered were those children who's parents engaged in conversations, read books or played simple games with their children while waiting in the doctor's waiting room.  And those children who always seemed to be the misbehaviors were those who's parent was essentially ignoring their child.  It was a lesson learned, that I hold today.  So when I'm in a doctor's office with my children I always make sure I have a backpack filled with snacks, beverages, books and sometimes the "electronic game".  Typically we read books and play "eye spy" to pass the time or just talk!  My kids are by no means perfect, but I have seen other adults observing me and realizing that I'm paying the necessary attention to my child.   Instead of dirty looks, I get smiles - even when my child is less then "perfect" in the waiting area.

Today my son had an appointment with his opthamologist.  Sadly, at the age of 6 months old we found out he needed glasses, so he visits the opthamologist anywhere between 2-4 times a year.  My husband was able to come with me to this appointment, my daughter spent the time with my parents.  So it was my son, husband and me at the doctor's office.  We both were engaged in activities with my son and he was happy.  He wasn't perfect by way of behavior, but what two year old is going to behave for 30-40 minutes while eye drops are dilating his/her eyes?  We sat in the waiting area with a mom and her, presumably, daughter.  The daughter appeared to be 5-6 years old and was well behaved, but you can tell she was "bored" and just wanted some attention like my son was getting.  She made a simple comment to her mom that she was bored and her mom looked up from her puzzle and said "its a lesson in life, patience" or something to that effect.  My husband and I looked at each other.  When they were called into the actual exam room, we both said to each other "really"?  Is it that hard to engage in activities with your child when they are anxiously awaiting a doctor's exam??

Going to the doctor's is not my favorite thing in the world to do.  I'm not bothered by it much anymore, just because its the way of life anymore.  I'd rather be doing something else and I know my child really has no interest in being there himself/herself.  Especially when they are the ones that are poked and prodded.  So to me, its the least I can do is make the time spent at the doctor's office more relaxing and fun.  I'd love to read a book or magazine or play on my smart-phone, but instead, I feel I owe my children my undivided attention, because I love them and that's my job!

As I get older, I think about the "circle of life" and how some day my kids might need to drive me to doctors appointments and sit with me when I'm unable to do these things myself.  I would hope that they would want to engage in conversation with me instead of reading a magazine or book or focusing on their smart-phones.  I think I might also enjoy a good game of "eye spy" too.