Mini Adults

Something we’re told time and time again in paediatrics is that “children are not mini adults”. In terms of fluid algorithms and prescribing formularies...they require a whole different set of their own!

And in an ideal world, it would be true...kids would be allowed to just be kids. But there are many who’ve had to become mini adults - through no fault of their own, and often not their parents’ either. Like the young kids who come into clinic with their Mum or Dad - but they are the only one in their family who speaks English. It must be hard on the parents, who wish they could take responsibility for looking after their child’s treatment, but end up relying on their child’s memory and understanding.

And on the parents, who are suffering for seeing their child’s pain, but feel they must put on a brave face for their sake. Sat with a Mum yesterday, who started to cry as soon as her daughter was taken up to surgery...tears that she had held back for fear that her daughter would see.

It must take a lot of courage to be a parent.