home
RSS
Kids at risk: Say something or bite your tongue?
June 13th, 2011
04:41 PM ET

Kids at risk: Say something or bite your tongue?

In addition to being CNNHealth’s Living Well expert, Dr. Jennifer Shu is a practicing pediatrician and spokeswoman for the American Academy of Pediatrics. Today she’ll begin blogging regularly for The Chart on kids’ health.

We see it all the time—the 6-year-old riding in the front seat of a car, tweens biking on a busy road without helmets, young children in the neighborhood pool while mom sits yards away talking on her cell phone.

These situations make us cringe but it can be hard to know how we should react. Is it an innocent bystander’s ethical duty to approach the parent in the name of a child’s safety, or does society dictate minding one’s own business?

As a pediatrician I’m constantly counseling parents about their child’s safety and well-being, from SIDS prevention to proper nutrition and routine immunizations. Our check-up checklists run the gamut, covering tobacco exposure, lead poisoning, car seats, toothbrushing, risky adolescent behaviors, and more.

While most patients willingly listen to this guidance in the office, it’s my job to give them the information and their job to decide ultimately whether or not to take it. But when I step out of my white coat and into anonymity it can be difficult to see the line between offering potentially lifesaving advice and providing what’s perceived as unsolicited—and often unappreciated—criticism.

When a child is clearly in harm’s way, the decision is simpler, and many people would intervene to help. In the case of bodily injury, there are numerous requirements to report even the slightest possibility that child abuse has occurred.

However, more often than not we are presented with a child who isn’t in immediate danger, just potential harm, as a result of a parent’s indifference or lack of awareness. My medical background and inborn tendency to be outspoken lead me to err on the side of caution and speak up more often than not. I’m not sure this is always the right answer but it helps me sleep a little better at night.

Have you found yourself in a situation where you’ve turned a blind eye, hoping that everything would be OK, or did you speak your mind and risk a confrontation? If you’ve been on the receiving end of someone else’s unsolicited advice, how did you take it? I’d like to learn from your experiences and hope you’ll share your thoughts!

Follow Dr. Shu on Twitter

The information contained on this page does not and is not intended to convey medical advice. CNN is not responsible for any actions or inaction on your part based on the information that is presented here. Please consult a physician or medical professional for personal medical advice or treatment.


soundoff (1,588 Responses)
  1. Valorie

    Hello there! I know this is kinda off topic however I'd figured I'd ask.
    Would you be interested in exchanging links or maybe guest writing a blog article or vice-versa?
    My blog discusses a lot of the same topics as yours and I feel we could greatly benefit from each other.

    If you might be interested feel free to shoot me an email.

    I look forward to hearing from you! Excellent blog by the way!

    Feel free to surf to my homepage situs judi terpercaya (Valorie)

    May 22, 2021 at 18:38 | Report abuse | Reply
  2. Situs judi Onlin Terpercaya

    Marvelous, what a weblog it is! This website provides
    helpful information to us, keep it up.

    Look into my web page :: Situs judi Onlin Terpercaya

    May 22, 2021 at 18:38 | Report abuse | Reply
  3. https://mtgpairings.com

    This is really interesting, You're a very skilled blogger.
    I've joined your rss feed and look forward to seeking more of your fantastic post.
    Also, I've shared your web site in my social networks!

    Review my website – judi poker terpercaya (https://mtgpairings.com)

    May 22, 2021 at 18:39 | Report abuse | Reply
  4. 1xbet

    Hey There. I found your blog using msn. This
    is a very well written article. I will be sure
    to bookmark it and return to read more of your useful info.
    Thanks for the post. I will definitely return.

    Feel free to visit my web-site; 1xbet

    May 22, 2021 at 18:39 | Report abuse | Reply
  5. poker online

    It's great that you are getting ideas from this paragraph as well as from our dialogue made at this time.

    May 22, 2021 at 20:34 | Report abuse | Reply
  6. joker

    jokergame

    May 23, 2021 at 00:50 | Report abuse | Reply
  7. ทางเข้ายูฟ่าเบท

    การเดิมพัน ปากทางเข้า
    UFABET ในลักษณะนี้นั้น จะให้อีกทั้งความสนุก ตรงการคิดเงินนี้แหละ หากว่านักพนันเล่นแทงเข้า
    หมดทุกคู่แม่นๆการคูณของเงิน ก็จะสองเท่าทันที ถ้าว่านักเสี่ยงโชคเลือกพนันชนะ การเดิมพันบอล ในรูปแบบของการพนันบอลสเต็ป บางรายได้เงินเป็นกอบเป็นกำเลยทีเดียว ซึ่งวันนี้เราก็มีแนวทาง การแทงบอลมาฝากนักเล่นการพนันกัน ดังต่อไปนี้

    May 23, 2021 at 05:48 | Report abuse | Reply
  8. sex

    Hurrah! In the end I got a webpage from where I be capable
    of in fact obtain useful information concerning my study and knowledge.

    May 23, 2021 at 09:32 | Report abuse | Reply
  9. slot online

    If you are going for finest contents like me, just pay a visit this web
    site all the time for the reason that it presents feature contents, thanks

    May 23, 2021 at 11:57 | Report abuse | Reply
  10. cyclomune

    buy cyclosporine cyclomune

    May 23, 2021 at 14:59 | Report abuse | Reply
  11. brimonidine

    combigan uk brimonidine tartrate 2%

    May 23, 2021 at 15:46 | Report abuse | Reply
  12. Jokerxoth.com

    review wild spirit game

    https://jokerxoth.com/

    May 23, 2021 at 15:49 | Report abuse | Reply
  13. สล็อต

    Great formula, slotxo, delve into the formula, bring rich, practical.

    https://jokerxoth.com/

    May 23, 2021 at 15:50 | Report abuse | Reply
  14. Joker123

    Bonus symbol It is a symbol that will give you a lot of bonuses. When you then get this symbol That sort of thing is therefore a second chance besides the scatter itself.

    https://jokerxoth.com/

    May 23, 2021 at 15:52 | Report abuse | Reply
  15. สล็อต

    Panda Master

    https://jokerxoth.com/

    May 23, 2021 at 15:52 | Report abuse | Reply
  16. slot online

    Greate post. Keep posting such kind of info on your blog.
    Im really impressed by your site.
    Hey there, You have performed a great job. I will certainly digg
    it and in my view suggest to my friends. I'm sure they will
    be benefited from this web site.

    May 23, 2021 at 18:27 | Report abuse | Reply
  17. Tembepteriope

    buy tadalis tadalafil dosage tadalafil brands https://tadalafilww.com/

    May 23, 2021 at 22:34 | Report abuse | Reply
  18. หวย

    Hello there, just became aware of your blog through Google, and found that it's really informative.
    I'm going to watch out for brussels. I'll appreciate if you continue this in future.

    Many people will be benefited from your writing. Cheers!

    May 23, 2021 at 23:47 | Report abuse | Reply
  19. click here

    Unquestionably imagine that which you stated.

    Your favorite reason appeared to be on the net the simplest
    thing to bear in mind of. I say to you, I definitely get irked even as folks think about concerns that they just don't
    recognise about. You managed to hit the nail upon the
    top and defined out the whole thing with no need side effect , people can take a signal.
    Will probably be again to get more. Thanks

    May 23, 2021 at 23:59 | Report abuse | Reply
  20. หวย

    Thanks for your marvelous posting! I definitely enjoyed reading it,
    you happen to be a great author.I will be sure to bookmark your blog
    and definitely will come back in the future. I want to encourage you to ultimately continue your great job,
    have a nice evening!

    May 24, 2021 at 03:31 | Report abuse | Reply
  21. visit here

    Thank you for sharing your info. I really appreciate your efforts and I will be waiting for your next write ups thanks once again.

    May 24, 2021 at 04:28 | Report abuse | Reply
  22. situs qq online

    Hi to all, how is all, I think every one is getting more from this site, and your views are pleasant designed for new users.

    My web blog situs qq online

    May 24, 2021 at 05:14 | Report abuse | Reply
  23. hasil pertandingan bola

    Wonderful article! That is the kind of info that should be shared around the net.

    Shame on Google for now not positioning this submit
    upper! Come on over and talk over with my website . Thank you =)

    my web blog hasil pertandingan bola

    May 24, 2021 at 05:14 | Report abuse | Reply
  24. Pearline

    Nice blog here! Also your web site loads up fast!
    What web host are you using? Can I get your affiliate link to your host?
    I wish my website loaded up as quickly as
    yours lol

    my blog; info sepakbola terkini (Pearline)

    May 24, 2021 at 05:14 | Report abuse | Reply
  25. daftar situs poker online

    Thanks for sharing your info. I truly appreciate your efforts and I am waiting for your further write ups thanks once
    again.

    My site – daftar situs poker online

    May 24, 2021 at 05:14 | Report abuse | Reply
  26. website

    Hmm is anyone else encountering problems with the images on this blog loading?

    I'm trying to determine if its a problem on my end or if it's the blog.
    Any responses would be greatly appreciated.

    May 24, 2021 at 07:06 | Report abuse | Reply
  27. Owen

    Hi, I check your blogs daily. Your humoristic style is witty, keep
    up the good work!

    My webpage judi online terbaik – Owen –

    May 24, 2021 at 23:02 | Report abuse | Reply
  28. poker online Terbaik

    What's up, all the time i used to check webpage posts here in the
    early hours in the dawn, since i like to find out
    more and more.

    my site: poker online Terbaik

    May 24, 2021 at 23:03 | Report abuse | Reply
  29. Soosteemocush

    lowest price cialis https://cttadalafil.com/ – where to buy generic cialis online safely where to buy tadalafil on line where to buy generic cialis online safely https://tadalafilww.com/

    May 25, 2021 at 00:45 | Report abuse | Reply
  30. หวย

    I think this is among the most significant information for me.
    And i am glad reading your article. But want to remark on some general things,
    The web site style is wonderful, the articles is really great :
    D. Good job, cheers

    May 25, 2021 at 01:07 | Report abuse | Reply
  31. The Ink'd Fox

    Has anyone shopped at Lilac City Vapor Ecig Shop in 2119 West Brandon Blvd, Suite G?

    https://chillhempire.com/tag/green-stem-cbd-tonic-water-rhubarb-rose-250ml-10mg-cbd

    May 25, 2021 at 01:43 | Report abuse | Reply
  32. judi slot online

    Wow, amazing agen slot online judi slot online! How agen judi terpercaya have you been agen slot onlineging for?
    you made agen slot onlineging look easy. The overall look
    of your web agen judi terpercaya is fantastic, let alone the content!

    May 25, 2021 at 02:41 | Report abuse | Reply
  33. valheimwiki.com

    I am regular reader, how are you everybody? This paragraph posted at this website is actually nice.

    Here is my webpage – situ judi slot terpercaya (valheimwiki.com)

    May 25, 2021 at 04:04 | Report abuse | Reply
  34. หวย

    We absolutely love your blog and find the majority of your post's to be just what I'm looking for.

    Do you offer guest writers to write content to suit your needs?
    I wouldn't mind composing a post or elaborating on some of the subjects you write regarding here.
    Again, awesome blog!

    May 25, 2021 at 04:55 | Report abuse | Reply
  35. หวย

    Hi, Neat post. There is a problem with your website in internet explorer,
    could check this? IE still is the marketplace leader and a big section of folks
    will leave out your fantastic writing because
    of this problem.

    May 25, 2021 at 06:57 | Report abuse | Reply
  36. Tembepteriope

    best price usa tadalafil tadalafil drug where to order tadalafil tablets tadalafil blood pressure https://tadalafilol.com/

    May 25, 2021 at 08:40 | Report abuse | Reply
  37. Tritreviewifind

    tadalafil dosage generic tadalafil from uk buy tadalis tadalafil generic https://tadagatadalafil.com/ – tadalafil liquid

    May 25, 2021 at 11:05 | Report abuse | Reply
  38. Jokerxoth.com

    Techniques can be played and then quit.

    https://jokerxoth.com/

    May 25, 2021 at 11:18 | Report abuse | Reply
  39. judi slot

    Hi there, yup this post is genuinely pleasant and I have learned lot of things from it on the topic of blogging.
    thanks.

    May 26, 2021 at 03:13 | Report abuse | Reply
  40. Jokerxoth.com

    This game is a game that is in the xo slot camp itself. Which I must say that this game is a game with The style of the game is a witch of The mysterious land in the deep forest itself. Which I must say that this game will bring you into the deep forest There are many mysterious creatures that you will find in the game. And this game has a five reel, three line game system and has the lowest odds – maximum 20-400 GP, and this game has up to 20 paylines and many draws. Along with the help of the game is a wild symbolic tree symbol that will help you get prizes. Which will have the function of changing the symbols that are not compatible with them It also comes with a golden spear-shaped scatter that will give you that free spin in a simple way. This is how many symbols you will get. Which when you have entered the free spins mode. You will then be given a chance to win great prizes from this game as well.

    https://jokerxoth.com/

    May 26, 2021 at 05:59 | Report abuse | Reply
  41. Jokerxoth.com

    https://jokerxoth.com/

    May 26, 2021 at 05:59 | Report abuse | Reply
  42. สล็อต

    Captains Treasure Review

    https://jokerxoth.com/

    May 26, 2021 at 05:59 | Report abuse | Reply
  43. Joker123

    The stakes are too high, with both pros and cons. You then have to be careful when you add that bet. Which I must say that in increasing the bets there are good and bad Because if you then add the wrong time. You might as well waste your money for free. But if you then increase the bet at the right time You will then be able to increase your chances of winning. That has more rewards.

    https://jokerxoth.com/

    May 26, 2021 at 06:00 | Report abuse | Reply
  44. Joker123

    https://jokerxoth.com/

    May 26, 2021 at 06:22 | Report abuse | Reply
  45. Joker123

    Hello everyone, today we are going to take you to play games from slotxo camp, which I must say. This camp is a camp with many games that you can come in and choose from. And I must say that this camp is a popular camp. From a large number of players that have it all And I must say that this camp is able to apply for amateurs with the jokerxoth web at all, which in this web is a very simple application process You just go to the web and select the camp and click to apply again. On the web, it will allow you to fill in the necessary details such as account using name, surname, phone number and line, just this only. You can click to receive a special promotion on the web. Come together easily, you just have to do the activities as the web tells. And I must say that our promotion is All of you will not have to make a turn to waste time that has it all. And for today we will take you to play the most popular games as well.

    https://jokerxoth.com/

    May 26, 2021 at 06:23 | Report abuse | Reply
  46. Jokerxoth.com

    ------------------–

    https://jokerxoth.com/

    May 26, 2021 at 06:23 | Report abuse | Reply
  47. Unitmerienepeft

    side effects for tadalafil cialis without a prescription tadalafil goodrx https://tadalafilol.com/

    May 26, 2021 at 11:34 | Report abuse | Reply
  48. combigan

    brimonidine side effects combigan uk

    May 26, 2021 at 11:51 | Report abuse | Reply
  49. fun88

    I'm really loving the theme/design of your
    weblog. Do you ever run into any web browser compatibility problems?
    A number of my blog readers have complained about my site not operating
    correctly in Explorer but looks great in Opera.
    Do you have any ideas to help fix this problem?

    May 26, 2021 at 13:58 | Report abuse | Reply
  50. fun88

    Hi, I do believe this is an excellent blog. I stumbledupon it 😉 I am going to
    come back yet again since I saved as a favorite it. Money and freedom is the greatest way to change, may you be rich and
    continue to guide others.

    May 26, 2021 at 14:01 | Report abuse | Reply
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32

Leave a Reply to rb88


 

CNN welcomes a lively and courteous discussion as long as you follow the Rules of Conduct set forth in our Terms of Service. Comments are not pre-screened before they post. You agree that anything you post may be used, along with your name and profile picture, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and the license you have granted pursuant to our Terms of Service.

Advertisement
About this blog

Get a behind-the-scenes look at the latest stories from CNN Chief Medical Correspondent, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Senior Medical Correspondent Elizabeth Cohen and the CNN Medical Unit producers. They'll share news and views on health and medical trends - info that will help you take better care of yourself and the people you love.