When Allison Sweet Green was a child, she had surgery on her legs. Doctors assured her that it wouldn’t hurt much. They meant well, but the reality was different. The pain she felt shattered her trust in doctors and made her question whether she could trust adults at all. In a heartfelt essay for the New York Times, she shares her story and the lessons she learned.
Now, as a mother, she is determined to be honest with her children about medical procedures. She tells them the truth, even if it’s just about a small pinch when getting a shot. Allison believes that honesty is essential. Deceiving kids about pain can lead to feelings of betrayal when they actually experience discomfort. This feeling can create deep emotional wounds that take a long time to heal.
Allison emphasizes that these “white lies” can damage the important trust between parents and children. It’s better to prepare kids for the truth, as it helps them cope better with painful experiences. Besides, when children feel respected and informed, they are more likely to develop a healthy relationship with medical care.
You can read more about her insights in her full essay linked above. She also wrote a novel called I Am the Cage, which draws from her experiences as a young patient.
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