A nine-year old patient, C, is put on NPO (nothing per orem) after his appendectomy. Today is his fourth post-op day and since he has abdominal distention and has been passing loose bowel movements for the past two days, he's exhibiting mild dehydration despite being overweight (45 kilos for a nine-year old). And since he's been vomiting, a nasogastric tube is inserted through his nostrils in addition to being placed on NPO. We understand how discomforting it is for the patient. This morning, he begged Dr. D to allow him to have just one sip of water. "Okay naman ako, bakit ba ayaw niyo'kong painumin? Uhaw na uhaw na'ko. Please..konti lang..ganito lang kaliit" measuring the amount using his thumb and index finger. Dr. D explained to him in a way he can understand why he's not allowed to drink or eat and why the NGT is inserted through his nose. Having the heart of a father, he allowed C to have 1/4 glass of water after the child made a lot of bargains. "Sige, konti lang ha?". After he finished the 1/4 glass of water, he asked for another one. "Kayang-kaya ko yang ubusin, sige, pa-try niyo pa sa'kin". C seems to challenge Dr. D to allow him to have more water. Dr. D gave him another 1/4. C is just a naturally makulit kid which keeps him asking for more. This time, Dr. D strictly said NO. "Kapag magaling ka na, kahit isang barrel ng tubig pwede mong inumin. Ngayon, hindi pa pwede kasi magsusuka ka dahil hindi pa gumagalaw instestines mo.". I was astounded when he said "Sige na please. Isang baso lang. Bayaran pa kita..." Dr. D faced the parents for further explanation and didn't entertained the child's caprice.
It's frustrating how some parents continue feeding their children's whims. I hate making generalizations and I don't like acting like a psychic but children like C grows up with that attitude of getting everything they want through whatever means, even if it means stepping on other people. Teaching about sacrifice must start at home, same as charity. A child who knows how to make sacrifices grows up with a healthy attitude of enduring frustrations and whatever obstacles that come in his way. Because whoever we are, even though we are the richest person the world, we must face the fact that we just can't get anything and everything we want. After all, money may buy comfort but not happiness and love.
At C's age, he knows already about bribery. This child has a future... in the political world. :)
It's frustrating how some parents continue feeding their children's whims. I hate making generalizations and I don't like acting like a psychic but children like C grows up with that attitude of getting everything they want through whatever means, even if it means stepping on other people. Teaching about sacrifice must start at home, same as charity. A child who knows how to make sacrifices grows up with a healthy attitude of enduring frustrations and whatever obstacles that come in his way. Because whoever we are, even though we are the richest person the world, we must face the fact that we just can't get anything and everything we want. After all, money may buy comfort but not happiness and love.
At C's age, he knows already about bribery. This child has a future... in the political world. :)
