CHILDRENS HEALTH

Opting out of preventative healthcare

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It may be that - for whatever reasons - you do not wish your child to take full part in preventative healthcare here. You might not wish it to have (all the) vaccinations which are offered (in the prescribed sequence and combinations), or you might not want it to be observed, prodded and measured at intervals - or, like me, come the third child you might just feel that you knew your child was progressing just fine and you couldn't arrange a babysitter for the older two so started skipping non-essential appointments.

Advice on skipping checkups

The consultatiebureau will not in general object to your missing out on routine clinic checkups, but will wish to be convinced essentially that you are not harbouring a child who is At Risk in any way, from e.g. an unstable domestic situation, from a health problem. Opting out of vaccinations is a more serious step altogether.

If you wish not to attend the clinic, I suggest attending a couple of routine visits beforehand so that you can have a heart-to-heart with both your nurse and doctor, and explain why you do not wish to bring your child and for how long. They cannot force you to come (although they would in general prefer it) so will of course comply with your wishes, but I would urge you to be courteous in all your dealings and keep doors open. It's wise to keep those healthcare professionals on your side .

Selective deafness (among parents)

It is worth remembering that while the CB-arts or nurse undoubtedly knows better than you in many situations, there are from time to time occasions when you just plain disagree with them. Read on here about what to do when you feel like ignoring official advice/guidelines.

Preventative side