Doctor's office is not a playground, says reader

While recently at the Kincardine medical clinic, I observed what I have on the last few occasions – young children were running around and crawling under the seats, squealing at the top of their lungs, while the parents sat, head down, glued to their cell phones. 

(For your information: Did you know there’s a message that appears on the TV screen in the waiting area that asks you to please turn off your cell phones?)

Only when the decibel level reached “ear-piercing” did the parents say or do anything. Then the behaviour simply repeated itself over and over. 

I looked around at the other people in the waiting area, and saw rather “annoyed” looks on their faces. I also observed some people who were mobility-challenged, come close to being tripped up as these children ran around them. 

Parents – you need to realize that the doctor’s office is not a playground where you can just let your children blow off steam and do whatever they want. You may condone that behaviour at home, but it should not have to be tolerated in environments where it disturbs other people. 

Many people who come to see the doctor are not there because they are well – they’re there because they are ill. It only adds to their discomfort to have your children running around screaming.

If you’ve been to the medical clinic, you’ve probably noticed the signs regarding zero tolerance of harassment toward staff. Perhaps additional signs should be posted about supervising children: “For the comfort and safety of other patients, please supervise your children.”

A doctor’s office is a professional environment and parents should be teaching their children how to “act” while there – not seizing the opportunity to take a break from them and ignoring their behaviour. The same applies to other professional areas, such as the dentist, chiropractor, optometrist, hospital; and businesses, such as restaurants, grocery stores, shops, etc. 

Consider the fact that not everyone views the behaviour as “cute,, and please try to respect the rights of others in these public places.

 

Marlene Chornie
Kincardine