They may drive us batty but we love them, all the same!

I was at work today seeing a child who was actually in the office with an ear infection with his 3 1/2 mo baby brother who was there for vaccines. Mom initially declined vaccines because the baby was sick, but when I pointed out he was well on my exam, and already a month and a half late, she agreed. Grandma spoke up saying, "I don't hold with vaccines, they cause Autism. My grandson was perfectly fine till the day he got some shots and then the next day he had Autism." I tried to hold a reasonable discussion of the scientific literature, but grandma was adamant, "I seen it with my own eyes...but its her kid, she can do what she wants." She says, "That one there already has behavior problems (the three year old) but I don't care, I just take care of 'em."

I was so upset and ready to rant and rave on a blog today about stupid parents and grandparents who are uninformed and won't listen to reason when they drop this bombshell on me.

"I don't hold with his other grandma. I won't let her take care of 'em. She believes that the treatment for Autism is handcuffing 'em to a pole in the basement." "WHAT?" I say as tear begin to well in my eyes..."she isn't that lady from last year with that poor child in the basement for 4 months?" "Yes, she is!" the mother replies. "That was my husbands brother they locked up. My son (the three year old) was in the house with them at the time."

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2013/02/07/missouri-teen-allegedly-handcuffed-to-pole-in-parents-basement-for-months/

http://www.cnn.com/2013/02/06/us/missouri-teen-basement/index.html

Copy and paste the link to the horrific story.

I just don't know what to say....I am stunned and horrified. I knew this story happened and was so distressed when I heard, but it all just brings it back.

As frustrated as I get with my son, as exhausted as I see the parents in my practice....I can never imagine the kind of person who would do that to a child!  Today, I am grateful my son has me as a parent...for no matter how much I screw up when raising him, he always has safety and security and love...and isn't that really all kids need?