To leave my 5 year old in a doctors waiting room?

I think these types of appointments are a bit different though. I'm also a lone parent and have taken ds to lots of appointments, even smear tests where he can sit out of the line of sight. But I also remember being around Ops dds age and my mum seeking mental health support and getting upset in the appointment and there was nothing could have distracted me enough when I knew she wasn't OK. It was scary as a very young child to see her that way whereas I understood that doctors help make our physical bodies better.

So a curtain might not be enough plus op deserves the space to be open and honest about how she's feeling and why.

I was running late for a MH appointment once and so took my 3yo DD but they wouldn’t let her sit in so cancelled on me.
Ask the GP if they can do an appointment before/after your work hours or via phone.
it’s really hard getting appts when you work!
good luck

I would. What’s going to happen in a doctors surgery. Just give her something to do and ask her to knock on the door if she needs you

Take her in with you and take along an iPad or similar with headphones so she can watch something whilst you have the appointment. I wouldn’t leave a 5yo alone in a waiting room. If this isn’t an option, can’t you rebook when she starts school presumably also in a few weeks?

EDIT- sorry just seen the other replies have already said similar. They didn’t load initially.

Honestly, just ask your teacher friends, im sure they won't mind.

Definitely bring her in and shove your phone in front of her with some Bluey on it.

I have cancer and I needed to take then 6 year old ds with me to the hospital to have the wound checked from surgery and stitches removed. Dh was abroad with dd for a sports thing (we agreed she’d still go and he would take her even though it was like 3 days post-op, to keep things as normal as possible).

Ds did sit behind the curtain (I was on like a proper ward with beds and curtains), but he just watched like monster truck videos for 20 minutes and was fine.

I’m amazed that someone who claims to be a teacher would consider leaving a 5 year old unattended - or were you expecting that the reception staff would keep an eye on them? You literally look after the welfare of children on a daily basis, and you consider doing this?

It’s insane. As others said - headphones and your phone/a tablet is a far better idea.

I would have thought if you told reception they would keep an eye on the DC, how big is the waiting room and how busy? I think asking is the best idea. It must happen often that a child can't stay in the doctor's room with their mother for one reason or another.

bring your phone with headphones, she can listen music or watch cartoons next to you meanwhile you discuss your issues with your GP.

My GP would. As longs they know she is there. My eldest has done this a couple of times. My youngest - absolutely no chance. Depends on your GP and your kid.

Just want to say well done to you for going to make the appointment - it's really good you've recognised you're not feeling well and going to do something about it. Hope you can work out something with your daughter, lots of good advice here.

I’m really sorry. This was a difficult read for me but sadly unsurprising. I can’t imagine behaving like this but then I guess I’m not a racist dickhead. Sorry you’re lonely and experiencing this. X

This is a great suggestion.

Sorry to hear this. I have a very small network, have made one mum friend now which is great but at school now and I’m on the outside for sure. Have you tried Peanut app? I was on it and didn’t have any luck meeting up but shared some messages. It’s an app designed to help mums meet other local mums. You might have some luck? Keep trying, your people are out there, as are mine, somewhere! x

Headphones are definitely the way to go. And you’ll get years of use from them. Hope you get it all sorted x

I am so sorry that is your experience, people never cease to shock me.

I’m so sorry, that’s rubbish and you deserve better xxx

No, you can't leave a 5 year old unattended in an office. 🙄 That's a terrible idea.

Find other childcare or bring her in with you but that could be challenging.

Explain when you get there I am sure there will be a member of staff to keep an eye but please DO NOT leave her without discussing it with someone first!

Does your child have any friends they could have a play date with for a couple of hours? With the promise to return the favour? Or as other PP suggest, request a telephone appointment. I definitely wouldn't leave them in the waiting room at that age.

I had a phone appointment when I was struggling with my mental health and actually found it easier than talking to someone in person so this might be a good option as others have said.

I personally wouldn't do this op. 99% of the time gp surgeries are safe and fine but you need to remember that a very wide cross section of the public are coming through the doors and you don't want your child unattended if someone becomes seriously ill in the waiting room/ is struggling with psychosis or other mental illness/ addiction etc and becomes volatile. These things can happen and would obviously be highly upsetting and scary. There's good reason why she'd need to be supervised there at all times never mind that 5 is young and there's potential for her to leave or be lured away. Equally, I wouldn't bring her into an appointment where its possible you could get upset or her overhear the details of how you're feeling.

It's also obviously important that you get to your appointment so I think that requesting a phone appointment where you can be home with her but set her up in a different room with a tablet and headphones would actually be the best option here unless you have a colleague who could watch her for half an hour. People are busy with families, yes, but there's also a lot of people out there who would love to build on their network of support but like you, don't know how to approach it. So by asking you're also opening the door to returning the favour for someone else. If you got someone to babysit it would also mean you'd be able to give yourself some time after your appointment incase you don't feel emotionally able to jump straight into parent mode again.

I know the culture in schools can be challenging but if there were issues with you attending a medical appointment then I think your union could have a field day with that. You may be a teacher but you're still a human being and especially as a lone parent it's essential that you fill your own cup. Some schools seem to be better than others in that respect so if where you're currently at doesn't value the health or wellbeing of their staff then it might be worth considering other schools. You are important.

Hospital is different from GP, and support is different from needing to be the one in front of a class (who will be there regardless) or asking for cover.

I am in the same situ. I have my DH but when he works and can't have time off my toddler and baby come with me. I have 0 family and friends local now mum friends. Been rejected by the groups. We go but no one wanta to socliase deapite my biggest efforts. Volunteering to make food and sort out snacks. They all arrange to do things together. I am the only non white person. And look different in my dress. But born in the UK and can conversate very well. All smiles but they never include me I gave my mobile number to be added to the groups and never added. They avoid me and my children. I have tried multiple groups and have 0 Mum friends.
I can empathize with OP. It is lonely

This is also a great suggestion from a PP.