Ok, this is a weird question. My 4 yr old boy likes playing doctor, a little too much. He says he likes helping people, and for this, I am proud. But every time we go to a friend's house, after they've played all the normal games, he'll take them to a nearby room to play doctor. Whenever I check up on them (because it does get quiet at times), he's checking their forehead for a fever, giving them shots on the arm, putting on pretend bandages, etc. Is this something I should encourage, discourage, or simply ignore as child's play. The reason I ask is because the parent's of the other children always give me this look, which I'm not sure how to interpret. Assuming you were the other parent, what would you be thinking?
Completely harmless! Adults think of "playing doctor" as something completely different than what a 4 year old thinks of. As long as he isn't looking at anyone's privates I would not at all be worried.
It's great that he cares for others. I would encourage him to take interest in how others are feeling and doing things to alleviate their pain.
At your son's age, my son decided he wanted to be a forensic scientist and insisted on getting DNA samples from everyone by "swabbing" their cheek. The first time he tried to swab me he took a throat culture instead (think jamming a Q-tip down your throat). Other times he wanted to see if we were sick by taking our temperatures and blood pressure (he squeezes our arm with his hands while wearing a stethoscope).
I think people have many pre-conceived ideas about
"playing doctor" - that it's a bad thing. They need to get over it. He's just imitating what he sees health professionals doing the same as he would imitate a fire fighter, plumber, secretary, cook or any other occupation. He has lots of pretending to do and now's the time to do it.
I wouldn't think anything of it. I guess I would only worry if he was wanting to touch in inappropiate places. Checking a fever and giving them a shot and putting on pretend bandages is really no big deal. I think that you are doing the right thing in just keeping an eye on them when they are playing so that you are aware of all that is going on.
I think you are making too much out of this. I have 5 yr old triplets who have always loved and still love to play dr. He isn't asking them to take their clothes off. He is fine and just pretending and likes to take care of people. If the other parents are giving you looks, they have issues. lol
If he were asking them to take their clothes off I'd be alarmed but he's not so I don't think I'd think anything of it if he were playing doctor with my kids. If you feel the parents are reacting negatively maybe ask him to play doctor where you can watch rather then in another room. I wouldn't worry to much, maybe he'll be a doctor when he grows up :-)
I see absolutely nothing wrong with playing doctor. If you think about it, when you go to the doctor they always take you into an exam room so I'm sure he is just re-enacting what he sees in real life. People need to let kids be kids. Jumping to conclusions and reading too much into innocent things is a huge problem in our society today.
One thing to be on the lookout for though is if they are using the Fisher Price Medical Kit. Consumers Report has done a study on it and there is apparently concernable levels of lead in the blood pressure cuff. There has not been a recall on it but it is definately something to think about. I returned my son's kit to the store just in case and when I called Fisher Price they had a script written on the subject that the customer service person rattled off in denial of the allegations. I would just rather be safe than sorry.
T.
Dear B.A., the "look" you are getting is related to them playing in another secluded area of the house without adult supervision. "Playing doctor" is usually associated with little boys and girls exploring the differences in each others bodies. If you have never discovered them doing anything inappropropriate, then I suggest you simply have him set up a "doctor's office/clinic" in a corner of the playroom/family room, etc. where normally you would set up a play kitchen, or dollhouse, and have him practice on his "patients" in full view of all the adults present. Have some of the adults be his "patients". I would not discourage his appropriate behavior and interests in the medical sciences. If you know any adults who are in the medical sciences, have them spend some time with him, answering questions, etc. Your son would be thrilled, and it would be educational! Hope this helps-K..
As long as the clothes stay on and no 'privates' are being touched - go ahead and play!
