Should our pediatrician help my husband and me with our parenting style disagreements?

Q: My husband and I disagree about so many things regarding our baby, and I don't know who to talk to! Our pediatrician seems reluctant to get into a discussion of parenting styles. Are we expecting too much from him?

A: No, you're not. As pediatricians, it's our job to help you with everything from nutritional advice to safety guidelines to parenting options. It is also our job to watch for family stress and to help you as a couple and a family. No, we're not psychologists, but we often are the only doctors a family sees on a regular basis.

Ask your doctor if you can address these issues at your next well-child visit or if you should schedule a separate appointment to talk with him. And if your differences about parenting are causing marital problems, consider getting counseling.

From Ask Dr. Jay by Jay Gordon, M.D., October/November 2005