True story. Again, using the “snowball” form… Amy
Who Really Needs the Shrink?
Here
in the
waiting room
a little boy
frantically pushes
buttons on a hand-held
video game and says, “Shit!”
Mom smacks him upside the head and
looks around, daring anyone to
say anything. She gets his script. They leave.
© 2011 Amy Barlow Liberatore/Sharp Little Pencil
Also posted at Poets United
Sharp Little Pencil 
vivinfrance
The story of our times.
Sharp Little Pencil
And the beat goes on…
Tilly Bud
Oh.
Sharp Little Pencil
Yeah.
booguloo
Blatant child abuse justified by the setting is still abuse. Some MD’s have their waiting areas taped for just this type of situation. I can see you squirming in your seat.
Sharp Little Pencil
You know it, Michael. It’s maddening how many parents dumb down their kids with meds when the real problem is environmental. I’m not saying this is ALWAYS the case – there are some children who need that help. But I had to remind myself I was there for MY issues… otherwise, I would have been tempted to smack HER upside the head!~ Amy
Kim Nelson
Who, indeed! Aye, the things we witness…
Sharp Little Pencil
True story, yep. Hard to know how to respond, espec. in the psychiatrist’s office. Helpless, that’s how I felt…
Renee Espriu
Sometimes more true than we know. Well done, Amy!
Sharp Little Pencil
Actually happened at my psychiatrist’s office. I was, as they say, gobsmacked. And you know I never have a shortage of words – or opinions! Thanks, Renee! A
mindlovemisery
You make a very vivid point here, well-done!
Sharp Little Pencil
Thanks so much. I see a lot of it at my psychiatrist’s waiting room, frankly.
leesis
oh yeah…so nailed it 🙂
Sharp Little Pencil
Leesa, this is such a prevalent phenomenon, it’s scary. Ask any teacher! Thanks, Amy
Alice Audrey
The snowball form works very well with this. It compliments your buildup. It’s a scene I’ve seen played out here, too.
Sharp Little Pencil
Seems like it’s everywhere. “Inconvenient” kids get doped by doctors, who don’t do the proper family intake. Very often it’s family systems counseling, or even simply the parents. The kids are the thermometer of the household, not the temperature. Thanks for comment on the form, too! Amy
Becca Givens
I use to work with a Nutrition Education program called WIC (Women, Infants and Children) … I was appalled at the behavior of some of the mothers (not all, by any means) and knew why the children were the way they were. My husband teaches at a judicially based alternative school … often, even at the young ages, I could tell him who he would be teaching in a few years … sad, but true!! Children mimic what they see and hear! Great write!!
Sharp Little Pencil
Becca, thanks for a reply from a different POV. My sister teaches at-risk teens and says that, right before vacations, they really act out because they know they will be at home for the next two weeks straight and it’s very hard. School becomes their safe place.
I used to work a food pantry and saw the same stuff as well. Parents yelling, “Shut the f*** up!” and then turning to me to get their food. I’d wrinkle my nose a bit… yet you can’t be judgmental at the pantries. Someone posted a sign that said, “Please remember, we’re volunteers, ready to serve you with a smile! Hope you leave with a smile, too!”
MiskMask
Smacking is an immediate response to frustration, just as that mother’s action was, and just as your tempation to do the same was. Some people learn self-control, as you have, others have not. I have on several occasions I’ve said to a mother or father, “Perhaps you should count beyond 3 …” I will not sit by and say nothing because often these parents are astonished that anyone’s taken notice of their actions — totally blinkered.
And I really like your Snowball form. Might give it a try this week, if that’s okay with you. ~ xx
Sharp Little Pencil
Marilyn, thanks. First off, it’s not MY form, I got it from Viv or Joseph, I think. Now, there are two forms: The snowball, which I think is the one that starts with one syllable and builds to ten, and the etheree, which goes from ten to one… or else it’s the other way around. Anyway, it’s fun, so do try it!
In a normal public place, I do usually say something. But in a psychiatrist’s office, when the other kids in the mom’s charge are probably also having issues, etc., that gets darned tricky! Good for you for speaking up, too. Thanks, a
Pat Cegan
Amy, fun poetry form and thought provoking write. I remember the first time I heard my daughter use a swear word she learned from me! Sure made me think about what else she might learn from me.
Thanks, too, for visiting me and leaving your nice comments. I could linger here all day as your blog has so many interesting things to explore. Hugs, pat
Sharp Little Pencil
Why, Pat, thanks so much for the compliment. I’m a couple of days behind catching up on comments, sorry…
Yeah, I remember my daughter and the first time I heard “sh*t” from her. I told her that, even though Mom said it once in a while, it was because I didn’t think of a better word to say. We decided to call all swearing “lazy talk.” Also instituted a swear jar, quarter a slip, and she could spend the contents. That helped me stop swearing, because times were lean!! Amy
dreamingthruthetwilight
I would’ve grinned to see you do that…in appreciation:-)
Sharp Little Pencil
Ha ha, I was soooooo tempted to dope-slap that woman. What a yutz.
Sharp Little Pencil
Took every ounce of patience on my part!!
Jae Rose
I always think the important bits health care people should see happen in the waiting room.. opportunities are missed and lives ruined forever in the time it takes to walk to the therapy room..or the pharmacy..Jae
Sharp Little Pencil
You are so right, Jae. THanks for this insight. Peace, Amy
pmwanken
Amy…thanks for your visit to my page, and your comments there. In case you don’t get back there…wanted to leave my reply here, as well: I feel very fortunate to have “met” so many wonderful people here online…and count you among one of my new friends. Grateful for your words of encouragement along the way!! ~Paula
PS: I’ve observed scenarios like the one described here in this poem…indeed: very infuriating!
Sharp Little Pencil
Paula, the feeling is mutual regarding friendship. And as far as the scenario goes, this one was literally true, and I’ve seen too many similar instances… a crying shame. Thanks so much for your encouragement as well, Paula! Amy
Artswebshow
That is one militant mother.
It can’t have been comfortable for the other patients in the waiting room
Sharp Little Pencil
Some were oblivious; others simply ignored. I was the only one who felt like saying something, but what can you say in front of the woman’s other child, in a psychiatrist’s waiting room, right?
ersie37
Yeah, I’ve wanted to smack a few parents myself…or at least medicate them.
Sharp Little Pencil
I recommend medication. The problem is getting them to stay on it!! Thanks, Roger. Amy
Buddah Moskowitz
Perfect in tone and execution. Been there too. Rings too damned true.
(BTW – your poem about suicide is on my daughter’s wall – you should be honored.)
Sharp Little Pencil
I know you’re familiar with the scenario, Buddah… so many of us are. And I sat there, dumbfounded, then went into my psych’s office and cried my eyes out…
About my other poem – I am indeed honored. Anything that helps, anything at all, print and use, bruddah. I just got interviewed for Poets United and put in a plug for Virtual, hope there’s room for it!!! I love you, man. Ameleh
christine
Where do we look from here? I often cry later when i see images like that.
Sharp Little Pencil
Since there was nothing safe to say at that place and time, you know me so well. I went out to my car and cried, plus I cried in my psychiatrist’s office. Wasn’t his patient, though. God, how I pray for these kids. Thanks for your intuition and insight, Christine. Amy
wordsandthoughtspjs
Oh my, that is horrible. You must have bitten your tongue.
Pamela
Sharp Little Pencil
Almost until it bled. But you know, it’s a psychiatrist’s office; plus, another of her kids was there, and shaming Mom in front of child is never a good thing to do, because she would end up taking out her embarrassment on that kid.