Doctors Reveal the One Thing They'd Never Let Their Kids Do

Put a group of doctors in a room over the holidays, and you’re bound to get some interesting insights on parenting dos and don’ts. At least that’s true in a now-viral video where pediatric neurologist Shilpa Dass, MD, asks friends and family at her recent holiday party about the one thing they would never let their kids do.

The answers vary widely based on each person’s specialty, covering everything from safety hazards to education and emotional well-being. Here are some of their takes:

• “I would never let my kid eat grapes without cutting them,” answered a pediatric anesthesiologist.
• “I would never let my son ride an ATV. The risk for a traumatic brain injury is too high,” added a neurosurgeon.
• “I would never let my kids play with a toy with a button battery,” said a gastroenterologist.
• “I would never let my kids go to school without teaching them about periods and birth control,” added an ob-gyn.
• “I would never own an in-home trampoline,” responded an orthopedic spine surgeon.
• “I would make sure my kids would never text and drive,” said an internist.
• “I would never let my child sleep in contacts,” added an ophthalmologist.
• “I would never let my kids feel guilty about their food choices,” said a GI/obesity medicine specialist.
• “I would never let my kids vape,” noted a cardiologist.
• “I would never let my child go on a sleepover,” shared a neurodevelopmental pediatrician.

In the comments, parents echoed the doctors’ warnings and shared personal stories. One commenter applauded the advice, writing, “The doctors who said ‘No sleepovers and not letting their kids feel guilty about their food choices applause.” Another parent agreed, saying, “We’re on the no-sleepover train too.” A few parents voiced concerns about toys with button batteries, with one lamenting, “Why do they still make toys with button batteries?”

Others offered their own advice. A clinical psychologist commented, “I would never evade apologizing to my child and explaining my emotions to them.” A paramedic shared, “I would never enter an intersection without checking both directions. Green means go, not safe.” Another parent added, “Always tell kids about the importance of being safe around pets.” Many parents emphasized the importance of securing furniture, with one noting, “I would never allow any furniture in their room that isn’t secured to the wall.”

While everyone’s “I would never let my child…” list varies, it’s always good to stay vigilant about potential dangers. As the holidays approach, check out this list of the most dangerous toys and holiday hazards to keep an eye on.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.