Stop talking children sick
A topic that is very close to my heart - and is not a purely medical issue, but rather a social one: how do we deal with children who have characteristics that are not quite within the so-called "normality"? And what is "normality" anyway?
After 15 years as a doctor in private practice, I - and many other paediatricians - have noticed a trend that we don't like. As a society, we are increasingly quick to categorise things as pathological and in need of treatment. A striking example: children whose behaviour was still within the bounds of "normal" 40 years ago would no longer be so today. Because this framework is becoming ever narrower. And people are quicker and quicker to diagnose a social behaviour disorder, or ADHD, or autism or depressive traits ...
In my opinion, you have to be extremely careful not to overshoot the mark. Above all, it's very important to always look: How is this child doing? Is he or she doing well? Are they happy with themselves? Instead of looking at the child, people often just ask: Are we parents/teachers/educators stressed?
There is also a wonderful book on this topic by my paediatrician colleague Michael Hauch entitled "Childhood is not an illness". It deals with this topic very well.
There is one mistake we should not make: To tolerate behaviour less and less, to have more and more of a tendency towards the "middle of normality" and to ostracise and talk ill of children who are not actually ill.
Further interesting tips
Hives
The technical term is urticaria, the common word is nettle rash. This is appropriate because the children look as if they have fallen into a bed of nettles.
U4 provision
Screenings are a recurring topic for parents. The U4 check-up is about growth, motor skills, nutrition and hearing.
Child Day Care Act
There is still good news from the bureaucratic jungle! The certificate in accordance with §4 of the Child Daycare Act is no longer required. From now on, parents can simply show the yellow booklet and vaccination card when their child is to go to a community centre or child minder.