In a message dated 10/6/2000 8:18:07 PM Eastern Daylight Time, writes: > It's tough when parents take that kind of view [they hate us, so it seems] > because the peds I know, myself included, have gone into this field because > we deeply care for kids. It doesn't feel too good when people misread your > intent and your actions. > > Some things I've discovered: > > 1. Parents are less rational when they are sleep deprived. > 2. Parents are less rational when they are really scared about their child's > health and well being. > [This can be anything from a "fever" of 98.9 to bacterial meningitis on a > vent in the PICU] > Quite true. I've found that it's best to stay calm and rational, and not to get mad at the parents for their anger. I've had many angry parents come to me afterwards and apologize for their behavior or that of a spouse. Accept graciously and tell them that you understand how difficult it is to have a child with a serious illness (even if it wasn't really that bad. . .). They will usually remain loyal patients. Moshe Adler, MD