Sometimes, an "AHA!" moment is really a "DUH!"

Jennifer Buettner is marketing placebo pills for children’s minor aches and pains, to “reduce the unnecessary use of antibiotics and other medicines”. Buettner first thought of the idea when she took care of her hypochondriac niece and her mother-in-law instructed her to give the young girl Motrin. So she thought the way to solve this, and “empower parents to do something tangible” for children’s complain of minor illnesses, is – “AHA!” – placebo pills.

Duh. Placebos do not solve the problem of minor or make-believe illnesses.

Children sometimes complain that there is something wrong with them. In most instances, they have a legitimate reason to. In some, their pain is make-believe. In this instance, you get the child to realize he has anxiety, not a serious physical disease. That’s how hypochondria is treated. Giving the placebo only fuels the fear. It does not solve the problem. And God forbid that you brush off what you think is “minor”, give placebo pills, and it turns out to something more serious.

Duh. Placebos do not solve the problem of over-medication.

What does a parent or caregiver do for children’s real but minor illnesses? If there is no legitimate need to medication or antibiotics, then don’t give them. Ask your pediatrician for other alternative ways to treating the illness. Sometimes, tender loving care and rest are all a child needs.

Duh. Placebos do not solve the problem of frazzled parents.

Ms. Buettner thought the placebos would “empower parents to do something tangible for minor ills”.  There are so many legit ways that parents can be empowered to do something about their children’s minor illnesses. Really now, are the placebos for the child, or the parent?

Duh.

Now that I got that off my chest… Experts have weighed in on the efficacy of placebos. Kristina of Autism Vox also wrote about this issue, in context of her son’s condition. But Marijke of Help My Hurt has a poll – would you give, or have you given your child placebo? Share your opinions.