I screwed up and somehow this feels like the straw that broke the camel's back

[Anonymous]

Forgot to get a medical clearance for MS sports and it looks like my kid won't be able to try out. It's just been such an insane time at work and even though I paid an "expedited" fee at the pediatricians, they are understaffed and don't know when they can complete it. It's literally one box to be checked! I know in the scheme of things this is nothing, but I talked my very anxious kid into giving the tryouts a shot and now he's going to be crushed. I just feel like such a crap mom and I've spent the whole AM watching my inbox in hopes that maybe someone at the pediatrician's office will take pity on me. So now I'm in an even deeper hole with work and a billion other tasks.

Please don't pile on if you can help yourself, I just needed somewhere to vent in hopes that it will help me get on with things and get back to work.

[Anonymous]

Can't you take your kid to an urgent care for the physical? Yes, you'll have to pay as they usually aren't covered by insurance, but the schedule is more flexible.

Other than that, I'm sorry, but even more sorry for your kid.

[Anonymous]

I’ve been there OP. Hopefully the ped’s office will come through but go easy on yourself regardless. What would you say to a friend who made the same mistake? Surely you wouldn’t speak to her the way you seem to be speaking to yourself.

[Anonymous]

Dang. Whenever I need something from the pediatrician, I literally just wait in the waiting room until it's done. Yeah, they don't like me, but I get my forms.

[Anonymous]

You need to reprioritize. This is not a disaster. He can try again next season or next year. Blame the dr's office. He doesn't have to know. Just say you're sorry it didn't work out. You are wound so tightly that YOU might be contributing to how anxious your kid is. Bring the level down and it'll help him be less anxious too. Crap happens. That's life. We can't control everything. Do what you can, and focus on work for now.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Dang. Whenever I need something from the pediatrician, I literally just wait in the waiting room until it's done. Yeah, they don't like me, but I get my forms.

I do the same. And urgent cares will do the sports physicals so all is not lost.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Dang. Whenever I need something from the pediatrician, I literally just wait in the waiting room until it's done. Yeah, they don't like me, but I get my forms.

Same. I've also had to go the urgent care route. They do sports physicals, and it's not that expensive.

[Anonymous]

This happened to me too and I felt terrible. In my (our!) defense, at least my school did not do a great job of conveying that the physical was needed. Not only that, I needed one for my kid to try out for the school play. Um, what?

But yes, go to an urgent care. They will do it. You don't need the pediatrician.

[Anonymous]

I feel you, OP. Have you checked with the school? I have had this happen, and if I was able to show that kid has a physical on file from the last year and that my request for forms was in, they let them play. As long as they knew it was on the way. Of course we all know it's not the end of the world, but I do know how bad it makes you feel. I bet it will work out. Just try a few angles!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You need to reprioritize. This is not a disaster. He can try again next season or next year. Blame the dr's office. He doesn't have to know. Just say you're sorry it didn't work out. You are wound so tightly that YOU might be contributing to how anxious your kid is. Bring the level down and it'll help him be less anxious too. Crap happens. That's life. We can't control everything. Do what you can, and focus on work for now.

I love advice like this. The old JUST RELAX. And also telling you it's your fault your kid is anxious.

Full of helpful gems.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I feel you, OP. Have you checked with the school? I have had this happen, and if I was able to show that kid has a physical on file from the last year and that my request for forms was in, they let them play. As long as they knew it was on the way. Of course we all know it's not the end of the world, but I do know how bad it makes you feel. I bet it will work out. Just try a few angles!

Agreed, call the school. They do not want this stuff to be a barrier to the kids participating. Ours lets the kids tryout without the form and they just need it if they make the team.

[Anonymous]

Go to the CVS Minute Clinic.

[Anonymous]

I’ve done something like this. It is really hard. And for me it isn’t a one-time thing. Things worked out okay in the end (I missed a deadline but DD got off the waiting list) but I seriously sobbed for a long time. If sucks that simple mistakes can have consequences for your innocent kids.

But your not a bad person. This doesn’t make you a bad mom. I can tell you’re doing your best and if this is constitutes a big screw-up, your best is fine. I promise.

[Anonymous]

I’m a pediatrician (off today!) Call and be VERY sweet and contrite with the front desk staff about the fact that it means a lot to your child and you think you’ve messed up,
and they will very likely accommodate you. I only say to be contrite/sweet to make sure that you get past the front desk screeners. People treat them terribly all day long and yell at them, so they tend to stick to the rules and be less likely to pass messages like this to the providers and nurses in the office who are more apt to help regardless of the reason.

Even when we are swamped, if someone explains a situation like this nicely, my staff will always help. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

You can get these forms today, but not at YOUR doctor’s office.

I don’t believe in letting my kids suffer for my mistakes, so saying oops, you can tryout next season/year doesn’t fly for me. Suck it up and pay the Monday at RightTime (or wherever).