no more, no less. a pediatrician looks at ALL parents as POTENTIAL abusers.

[auntsue]

346. well, yes, smoking is bad

i grew up as a first wave baby boomer..................born 1946. My mom, dad and grandpa (who lived with us) all were smokers. In the house, in the car, windows up in cold weather. There was smoking everywhere, including resturants and hospitals. My pediatrician smoked-while examining patients. My mom quit at age 72 due to COPD............lived to 91. I do have some asthma issues, but they could be due to allergies or weight-related. I would think that your education taught you that behavior issues are complex. Rude attitude is not the best method. I knew a woman who put off going to the doctor because her was "always going one about weight". She didn't change doctors---she just didn't go. I worked as a social worker and have helped many people change using behavorial techniques including postitive reinforcment. I hope your comment were metaphorical and that you have some humanity in dealing with your patients.