When recommendations change

The American Academy of Pediatrics released new recommendations today regarding children and car seats. As is often the case with science and medical research, new data emerges and the recommendations that were standard for years can change, seemingly overnight. I make note of this, not because of the change in recommendations, but how personally some parents seem to be taking it. A quick glance of the comments section on New York Times article show parents up in arms about the recommendations, and others chastising those parents for not being concerned enough about their child's safety.

For physicians and nurses who communicate such recommendations to parents, this reaction points to the importance of sensitivity when making recommendations. It is easy for parents to take recommendations as a personal affront to their parenting skills. A little sensitivity and validation of those feelings may go a long way in getting parents to thoughtfully consider a new recommendation.