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AIBU?

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Original poster

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

162 replies

BarbaraVineFan · 22/08/2025 20:14

I have to go to the doctor in a couple of weeks- I made an appointment to talk about my mental health/ hormones, as I am really struggling with my emotions at the moment and don’t feel right at all.

The problem is, I’m a lone parent to my 5 year old Dd , and i don’t want her hearing the conversation for obvious reasons. I don’t have any childcare help at all- no local family, friends will all be working- and I am really not sure what to do with DD for those 10-15 mins. I am pretty sure she will be ok reading a book or colouring by herself in the waiting room, but WIBU to leave her? I’m a bit nervous as of course I’ll be behind a closed door.

OP posts:
JaneGrint · 22/08/2025 20:17

Could you get some headphones and a show / audio book playing on your phone so that she’s listening to that and not listening into your conversation with the GP?

teksquad · 22/08/2025 20:17

can you phone the surgery and explain and ask if there is a nurse or receptionist that would be happy to sit with him or watch him for 20 mins?

BCBird · 22/08/2025 20:17

They won't allow this. Phone appointment seems to be the solution. Ring surgery and explain.

Womblingmerrily · 22/08/2025 20:17

Absolutely not.

You cannot leave a 5 year old in an unsecured public place.

She will have to come in with you. You could give her headphones to wear whilst you are talking to the Dr/a video to watch so that you limit her hearing the conversation.

Sirzy · 22/08/2025 20:17

You could do tablet/phone with a favourite program in headphones?

but no you can’t leave them unsupervised

hope it goes well

Whaleandsnail6 · 22/08/2025 20:16

I don't think you could do this. Can you not change the appointment to when she is at school?

IllBeHomeForChristmas · 22/08/2025 20:16

Massively unreasonable

OrsolaRosso · 22/08/2025 20:16

Could you rearrange for when she will be at school?

Original poster
BarbaraVineFan · 22/08/2025 20:15

That’s a good point.

OP posts:
RapunzelHadExtensions · 22/08/2025 20:15

Can you find a local childminder or babysitter for a few hours? I'm not sure they'd let you leave her tbh, reception would probably clock it and say she needs to be supervised.

CracklingFlames · 22/08/2025 20:15

I would be very shocked if they even allowed you to do this, so no. You really can't. Can't you ask for a phone appointment instead?

Cookingupmyfirstbornson · 22/08/2025 20:15

I'm pretty sure the doctors surgery won't allow this?

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