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They do actually ask about pools and pets. I don't have a pool so I don't know what they say if you answer yes to that question but if you say you have pets you then are asked to list how many, what kind and their behavior towards the kids. I don't think any of this is their business but the questions about firearms in the home just seemed the most intrusive. They also ask where your kid sleeps and what position you put them to bed in (which is another angry topic for me). It really bothered me in the beginning because I felt like they were questioning my authority as the parent and questioning my judgement but I've had several friends say that theirs did the same thing (minus the gun question) and they didn't seem to mind so I was starting to think I was making too much of it. Glad to see I'm not alone in this opinion.

Thanks everyone. Sorry it took so long to respond, I don't have time to get on as often as I would like.

After typing it out and re-reading it I realize that I really do just need a new ped. I haven't been comfortable with the doctor for a few months now and it is just time to part ways. If the question comes up at the new doctor I will decline to answer. I still have a problem with them asking but I guess as long as I don't have to answer then I won't be too concerned.

It's not confiscation I'm worried about, it's my insurance company using it against me that I'm worried about. Not to mention the fact that anyone who has access to their computers has my home address and knows that there are guns in the house. I go back and forth between being irritated and thinking I'm making a big deal out of nothing.

I knew there was some discussion in Florida about a law but I was curious about Texas. I can't find any information on it if there is anything going on. What I think is funny is they've never asked about carseats in any of the safety interrogations but gun ownership is the first thing they ask about. I just get the feeling that they see it as their job to protect my kids, which I have a huge problem with. I will see what happens during our visit next week but I think it's time to part ways with this doctor anyway.

I've been a lurker for sometime and have appreciated all of the great information I've learned from everyone. I've come across a situation that compelled me to finally register and I was hoping to get some feedback.

I am a parent to two small children (under 2) so I frequently have to take them to the pediatrician. Every time we are there for a well visit they ask me whether or not there are guns in the home. The first time I went I was so exhausted from having a two week old baby I just answered and went on my way. But the more I think about it the more it makes me uncomfortable. After the first visit I just answered that I didn't have any guns in the home but the doctor recently made it very clear that the information was stored in the computer on the first visit so it doesn't matter what I say now. I'm even more uncomfortable with the information being stored than I was by being asked the question in the first place.

I dont' like the situation for several reasons but mostly I just don't feel it is any of their business. There are other 'safety' questions, all of which of none of the pedi.'s business, but the gun question just bothers me the most.

Has anyone else experienced this? I plan on refusing to answer and asking them to remove the information from my file next time but I'm not sure that will do any good.

I apologize if this is in the wrong section, if it is let me know and I can move it.