I have a small beef with some of my family and friends who dont know when to mind their own business - one some other young mothers i know share. 

When our children get a simple cold and a small temperature, how many of you 'know' whether

they just need a dose of panadol or need to see a doctor? 

When my eldest  used to get colds, my partner would always insist i take him straight to the doctor.  As many of you know, the doctor 99% of the time says "plenty of rest, keep up the fluids and a dose of panadol"   Now, when i see my boys are getting irratable and a slight temperature, i do what common sense dictates.  However, colds dont just disappear overnight in most cases.  the can last on average up to 2 wks. 

Thats where i start getting the unwanted 'orders' that i should take my sick child to the doctor, even though i quite often already have. 

Now I wouldnt resent this butting in if my child was seeming to get worse, or there was a sympton present that didnt fit the standard cold.  But when its just a slight runny nose, and a little bit of coughing, i dont see why, if you know in your gut that you are doing the right thing, other people have the right to make you feel like you are slack and uncaring towards your kids.  Its wrong and it makes you doubt your parenting instincts, which i believe you should always listen to, and it takes away some of your confidence, and god knows you need all you can get when u have children.

What i would like these interfearing people to realise, is that they should trust that you love your child enough to do whatever needs to be done for their health, and that if you are sure of something and know in your gut that you are doing the right thing, they should accept that.

I will admit however that these people only have my childs best interest at heart, and for that i do appreciate them.  Also, if my child was exhibiting strange symptons that i had not picked up on, i would welcome the observation.  But when a chicken looks like a chicken, sounds like a chicken and acts like a chicken, then its a chicken.  Same goes with a cold.  Any loving mother, or father, would keep a close eye on there sick child for any differences and act accordingly.