There are as many different parenting styles as there are parents. Moms and dads tend to be steadfast in their convictions regarding their kids and the rules they set to ensure they are healthy and safe. We often look to the medical community for their professional recommendations and tips to help us be the best parents we can be. And although we sometimes deviate and go with our intuition instead, for the most part, we trust our kids' doctors.
A TikTok mom and neurologist recently posted four things she will never let her kids do, and even though we certainly believe her about the risks of these things, her stance has caused quite a lot of discussion.
We have definitely heard some of these tips before.
According to her bio, Dr. Puja Aggarwal, aka @zenfulbrain, is a neurologist and executive coach for female professionals. She recently posted on TikTok explaining activities she will not allow her children to do. To the dismay of many, Aggarwal says American football is a no-go.
"You can get a lot of concussions, head injuries, and this can lead to chronic traumatic encephalopathy. There's no need," she says.
She also calls riding ATVs a "hard no," and adds that having a trampoline or playing on a trampoline can lead to falls and head injuries, and the risks don't outweigh the fun.
Aggarwal doesn't think that kids should be around guns, either.
This probably won't come as a surprise to many, but Aggarwal doesn't want kids to be around guns. Period. Firearms present a risk for significant injury and death, and kids just shouldn't be shooting guns. "There is just no need. Again, it can just straight up kill you," she says.
She is quick and to the point but found the need to add an explanation because people argued. Aggarwal says no to guns completely, not even at a shooting range or hunting.
She backs her statements with research. Citing the American Academy of Pediatrics, she says in 2020, the leading cause of death among children 0 to 24 was firearms. "This does not need to happen," she says.
Sorry parents, but football is actually dangerous.
To the dismay of many, Aggarwal doesn't want her kids to play football. She explains that the risk of concussion is great but so is the incidence of consistent reinjury. Again, she cites the American Academy of Pediatrics and says that US football showed the highest concussion rate among high school sports in America from 2013 to 2018.
"A concussion is defined as a mild traumatic brain injury or a mild injury to the head. It could be that you have contact with your head to a surface with sports equipment or with another person," she explains. Concussions have short-term and potential long-term effects, she notes.
It will come as no surprise that people had thoughts.
Aggarwal's original video has 1.7 million views, 171,000 likes, and 2,000 comments. TikTokers have mixed feelings about her message. Some people think she's being the "fun police."
"number 5 don't live. how the heck did I make it through the 80s with no seat belts, no helmets, and jumping off the roof on to my trampoline," one person noted with a laugh.
"Okay so I hope you don't drive a car then because that can cause accidents by another person you're not in control," another person commented.
"I've heard bubble wrap works well. Jesus," someone else wrote.
"There goes my entire childhood. GONE! I do agree though except with the last one. Taught responsible and at the right time there is no issue," one comment reads.
Others, however, believe she is giving solid advice that parents should consider following.
"Having a son who survived gun violence and was on the brain injury floor — almost every guy there was injured by an ATV. If ppl could only see. " someone commented.
"As someone who's had 7 concussions yes!!! They caused long term damage and I still feel effects from them almost daily," another person wrote.
"My mom worked in the ER and ICU. Trampolines and motorcycles were her big nonos," someone else wrote.
Her TikTok isn't all about dont's, though. She offers dos as well.
Aggarwal's TikTok has lots of information for parents to help keep their kids healthy. She also offers tips to improve things like brain health and mood.
When it comes to our kids, we want to be the best parents that we can. Looking to experts for advice is a great way to reinforce our good habits or a reminder to reflect on things that we may want or need to change. In the end, parents have to choose what is best for their families and always put their children's health and well-being at the top of the list.
*Disclaimer: The advice on CafeMom.com is not a substitute for consultation with a medical professional or treatment for a specific condition. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem without consulting a qualified professional. Please contact your health-care provider with questions and concerns.
