Relationships with Professionals

We spend a lot of time taking our children to a variety of different doctors for a lot of different reasons. Because we live in a small town this requires a great deal of traveling. I am grateful my kids are good travelers. I am also glad that we have a great relationship with all of our doctors. We travel to see our pediatrician, ENT, allergist, dentist, and psychiatrist regularly. These are all individuals we have been working with for a number of years and I am very rarely disappointed. I trust each of our doctors and their staff. I truly believe they want what is best for my children. They also trust me as the parent and treat me with respect. They all include me in the decision making process and take into account my opinions, and what is and isn’t possible for our family. I can say the same for most of the therapists and educators we have worked with as well. I think it is critically important to establish and maintain a good relationship with the professionals working with my children. Once that relationship is established and that trust and communication is in place, it is much easier to handle a difference of opinion or other obstacle. It is important to be open and honest, but not come across as hostile, desperate, or crazy. And if for some reason you do lose your cool, admit it and apologize. There have been many times I have said, “I know this sounds crazy, but…” and I have almost always walked away feeling heard and supported. One of the many reasons we have chosen to stay in this small town is because we have so much love and respect for the people helping our children.
Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. James 1:19  Originally posted April 2011