Portuguese pediatrician João Rio Martins shared a video on social networks where he revealed what he never does to his children as a father. He explained the reasons and what children can gain from this type of performance.
© Shutterstock
09/07/2026
by
Sshould you let a child cry to sleep? And it's a good idea to make them eat? A pediatrician reveals some of the things he never does with his children. They may be less consensual, but the expert reveals the impact they may have on the child's health.
João Rio Martins is a pediatrician and neonatologist. She has three children and is responsible for the page Pediatrist João, which has Instagram and Facebook. On these social networks you shared a video in which you revealed the five things you never do with your children.
What a pediatrician never does to his children
“There are things I would never do to my children. Not because of personal opinion, rigidity or because ‘with me they always did so and I was fine’, but because of the known impact that certain practices can have on child development’, it begins by saying in the description of the video.
Read Also: Breastfeeding and co-sleeping: Any risk of asphyxiation? We talked to experts
Know what a pediatrician never does to his children.
1- Let them cry to their sleep
“The crying is part of the development and, as parents, our role is not to avoid it at all costs. But letting a child cry so that “learn to sleep alone” should never be an option. Sleep is constructed with predictability, consistency and safety, not abandonment.”
2- Make them eat
“In feeding, control should not be all on the parents’ side. It's up to us to decide what, when and how to offer. It is up to the child to decide whether to eat (and how much). Force may even result in the immediate, but often compromises the relationship with food in the medium and long term.”
3- Solve all problems for them
“ The temptation to intervene is often great, especially when we know how to resolve quickly. But it is precisely in discomfort, waiting and trying to build autonomy. Not everything needs an immediate solution.”
4- Comparing them with other children
“ Development is neither linear nor comparable in a useful way in everyday life. Phrases like ‘he already does, you don’t’ don’t motivate. On the contrary, they weaken.
5- Make them kiss or hug when they don't want to
“Affection should not be imposed. Teaching respect for one's own body begins early. And that goes for respect when they say no. This is not about doing everything “right”. It’s about doing it with intent, conscience and coherence.”