I spoke to a reporter from CNN on Wednesday for a story about parents giving children non-prescription medication.
Had I ever done it, she asked?
Yes, I replied. One time, under the recommendation of my doctor, I gave my 18 month old daughter Benadryl on a 2 hour flight to help her cope. The plan backfired. She was wired, the flight was a disaster and that was the end of that. Since then, I have never given my children medication as a way to benefit me. Lesson learned.
Do you know people who do, she asked?
Yes, I said. It’s a totally selfish act, but who am I to judge? I’m hardly a perfect parent.
Under what circumstances do you think it is acceptable?
I suppose it’s better than screaming at or beating a kid when all your buttons are being pushed. An airplane ride with three out of control toddlers? Yeah, that might be a good reason. A survival mechanism, I said.
And that was the end of that.
To clear things up: Obviously, drugging your child is not a good idea. Big fat fucking duh. Neither is beating them or losing it on an airplane full of 200 people.
It’s been so enlightening to read about all of the parents out there who never make a less than perfect decision. The posts dedicated to bashing me have been especially fun to read. And, the comments on the article? Woot! Good times.
For all of you perfect parents making perfect decisions in your perfect lives, this isn’t the place for you. Why don’t you look up some of the feminist/breastfeeding blogs? Those folks always seem to have the right answers.
And, don’t let the door hit you on the way out.
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