Is it ok to bring the kids to the doc’s with me?

[Garageflower172]

I was signed off work with stress and anxiety for 4 weeks before Xmas - I’m feeling a bit better now, and am due to start work again on Monday 7th. I have an appointment to see the doctor tomorrow but no childcare - is it ok for me to take the kids? They are 6 and 9 and know that something hasn’t been right with me.

I just don’t know if I can be completely honest with the doctor if they are there!!

I’ve taken my kids with me for all sorts of things but I wouldn’t take them for a discussion about my mental health, no.

I think you’re right - I really don’t want to take them but I have nobody to look after them....I wonder if I’d be able to leave them in reception with their tablets? Would that be frowned on?

You can ask.
Or can you write down what you want to say to the doctor?

Yes, they can sit in the waiting room under the eagle eye of the receptionists while you see the doctor. They're big enough for that. Lots of people do the same.

no it's not appropriate for them to listen to what is causing you mental distress.

Wolfiefan - brilliant idea! I’ll write some things down before we go, just in case I can’t leave them with the receptionists. Thanks for the reassurance as well, jessstan! Feeling much better about the whole thing now 🙂👍

If your appointment isn’t first thing you could call reception and ask about them waiting outside the room?