Pediatricians reveal dangerous myths that parents should not believe

A few check-ups per year? “No need, my child looks perfectly fine.”

A developmental therapy? “What’s that? Children grow on their own.”

These may seem like harmless comments, but according to pediatricians, these “lies” that parents tell themselves every day can harm their children’s health and development.

Below are some of the most common myths that pediatricians want parents to discard as soon as possible:

1. “My child is fine, no need for an annual check-up.”

Even if a child seems healthy, annual check-ups are essential. I know a case of a 15-year-old girl who hadn’t had a single visit in 5 years and was diagnosed very late with a severe form of scoliosis. Late diagnosis means delayed treatment as well.

2. “If you don’t behave, I’ll give you shots!”

Many parents scare children with injections and vaccines. This creates strong anxiety toward doctors, which can persist later. Parents should be a source of strength for their children, not panic.

3. “If my child needs therapy, it means something is wrong.”

Therapies such as speech therapy, physical therapy, or occupational therapy are not signs of weakness. They are investments to help the child develop properly at school, socially, and in life. And remember: advocate for your child. If you feel something isn’t right, seek help without shame.

4. “The first child walked at 12 months, the second at 18. No problem.”

Children develop at different rates, which is normal. But if you feel something is off, don’t hesitate to talk to a doctor.

5. “Behavioral problems = autism.”

Not always. Problematic behaviors can result from lack of communication, improper parenting, or other disorders. Avoid self-diagnosis; seek professional help.

6. “My child doesn’t need vitamin K.”

This is very dangerous. Vitamin K prevents brain hemorrhages in newborns. Without it, the liver doesn’t produce enough clotting factors. Cases are rare, but when they occur, the damage is permanent.

7. “My child learns from YouTube.”

No. Children learn from you. Read to them, play with them, take them outside. Technology cannot replace interaction and can be very harmful to language and literacy development.

8. “What’s wrong with talking to my child in ‘baby talk’?”

Children learn to speak from the way we speak to them. Use normal, rich language, not meaningless babbling. This will help develop their communication skills.

9. “They’re just baby teeth.”

No! Oral health is overall health. Teach children to brush and use dental floss. Bacteria from the mouth can spread throughout the body.

10. “I didn’t give anything for the fever; I wanted to see how high it gets.”

With over 25 years of experience, I advise: don’t let your child burn from fever just to “prove” something. Give paracetamol or ibuprofen early. The sooner you treat the symptoms, the better for the child.

11. “My child drinks a lot of milk; that’s good, right?”

Not necessarily. Excess milk (cow’s or plant-based) can lead to severe iron-deficiency anemia. I’ve seen cases with extremely low hemoglobin (2–4 g/dL) in children who seemed “normal” but were actually at high risk. In such cases, urgent blood transfusions or iron therapy are needed. As a reference, a 1-year-old should not drink more than 700 ml of milk per day, unless it’s breast milk or formula.

“KORÇA BOOM”