Your Child, Your Responsibility — Not the Doctor’s, Not the CDC’s, Not the Government’s
- Dr. Karolyn Surmont

- Sep 18
- 4 min read

Let’s begin with a simple but important truth: your child’s health is ultimately your responsibility. Not the pediatrician’s, not the CDC’s, not your insurance company’s, and not any public health agency’s.
This can be a tough topic for many parents. When you brought your child home, they didn’t come with an owner’s manual. And chances are, you’re stepping into this role with limited experience, figuring things out as you go along. So, let’s jump in with an open mind and really think through this message together.
There’s No One-Size-Fits-All Solution
Here’s something important to remember: there isn’t a single food, medication, vaccine, or educational model that works perfectly for every child.
Each child is unique, with different genetics, immune systems, sensitivities, and needs. What might be helpful or safe for one child might not be the same for another. This isn’t a matter of opinion—it’s a reflection of biological reality.
So when broad policies say things like “this is safe for all children” or “everyone must do this,” it’s worth pausing and asking whether a one-size-fits-all approach really fits your child.
Being Informed Is Part of the Parenting Journey
You don’t have to be a medical expert to be a good parent. But taking responsibility means:
Looking beyond headlines and soundbites
Seeking out credible information
Asking questions, even if they feel uncomfortable
Recognizing that every decision involves weighing personal risks and benefits
Being informed isn’t about fear or mistrust—it’s about caring deeply and making the best choices you can for your child.
Navigating Pressure—Including from Your Pediatrician
If you’ve chosen to delay, modify, or opt out of certain vaccines, it’s understandable to feel pressure from doctors or others. Some parents have shared experiences of being discouraged or even refused care because of their choices.
Ideally, your pediatrician should respect your role and work with you, recognizing that every child is different. If your current provider isn’t supportive or willing to listen, it’s okay to seek out another practitioner who values individualized care and open dialogue.
Remember, you’re the expert on your child’s needs—and it’s important to have a healthcare provider who respects that.
You Live with the Outcomes—Institutions Don’t
Health policies and recommendations are often designed with populations in mind. But your child is an individual—not a statistic.
When things don’t go as expected—whether it’s an adverse reaction, a learning challenge, or a health issue—you’re the one living with those outcomes day to day.
That’s why it’s so important to stay involved and informed, making decisions that fit your child’s unique situation.
The Importance of Personal Autonomy in Health Decisions
While public health guidelines can provide useful information, no policy should mandate a one-size-fits-all approach that overrides personal choice.
Whether it’s a medication, vaccine, or school requirement, you have the right to say, “This doesn’t feel right for my child.” Honoring that right is a key part of respecting informed consent and parental responsibility.
Real Parenting Is Active and Thoughtful
Parenting isn’t about blind compliance or avoiding difficult questions. It’s about:
Listening to your child
Trusting your instincts
Asking questions
Making thoughtful, sometimes challenging decisions
You don’t have to reject modern medicine altogether. Instead, you can choose to engage critically and thoughtfully, always putting your child’s individual needs first.
A Natural Approach: Healing from the Inside Out
For families seeking a more personalized and natural approach, neurologically based chiropractic care offers an interesting option.
These chiropractors use neurological scans to assess how well the nervous system is functioning. Based on what they find, they design personalized care plans that support the body’s natural ability to heal—without relying on drugs or medications.
This approach focuses on removing interference in the nervous system and encouraging the body to heal itself from the inside out. When the nervous system is functioning well, children often experience improvements in sleep, digestion, behavior, and overall well-being.
It’s a reminder that health is about balance and support, not simply masking symptoms with chemicals.
At His Work My Hands Chiropractic, we believe every child is a gift from God—uniquely made and full of potential. Our deepest purpose is to come alongside parents who want the very best for their children’s health and well-being. We understand that life’s challenges, stressors, or early experiences can affect a child’s nervous system, often showing up as symptoms or behaviors that are hard to manage. Through gentle, neurologically based chiropractic care, we help restore optimal function—so your child can heal, grow, and truly thrive from the inside out.
Your Role Is Powerful—and Precious
You don’t need permission to make decisions that you feel are best for your child. You don’t need approval to seek a different path.
What matters most is that you approach these choices with care, attention, and confidence. You are your child’s first advocate and best protector.
Take the time to ask questions, listen to your instincts, and find support in healthcare providers who respect your unique journey.
Because your child’s health and future are your responsibility—and that responsibility is also a remarkable opportunity to guide and protect them as they grow.
Reach out when you are ready, we are here to help.



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