Mommy MD

I really need to stop referring to myself in the third person. Come here honey and let “Mommy” help you. Bring it to “Mommy” please. “Mommy’s busy, wait a second please.” What started out as a helpful reminder that I was indeed their mother – and that I was perfectly okay, actually delighted with them calling me mommy- has turned into a habit. My kids don’t seem to mind or notice that this is bizarre. No family member has taken me aside. But it’s gotten out of hand.

I am a Mommy MD. But I try to keep my mothering out of the exam room. I know their parent is there and very adept at figuring out their child. I don’t try to usurp the parent’s authority. I don’t tell my patients to straighten up and stop whining and crying, and I let their parents soothe their hurt feelings. But lately I’ve had to control the impulse to say “Okay honey, now open your mouth so mommy can see”.

I think I’ve been working too much. I miss my kids.

Sheila Cason, MD