I guess this belongs in the parenting list, but as I don't have time to belong
to it...

One of the examples I use on the pregnant moms to explain that they will need to
advocate for their children "all their lives" and not just the first few days in
the hospital:

My 9 year old had a bad fall and cut his knee.  It was obvious he needed
stitches.  He was a very independent child, but the ER sights and sounds
unnerved him.  I told him not to worry, I'd stay with him.  He relaxed until he
heard a (much younger) child screaming behind the curtain  "Mommy, mommy!" Again
I reassured him I would stay.  Well, it was his turn and I was told to leave.  I
politely refused, saying I'd be fine and he'd be much better if I were with him.
The doctor was then brought to me and I was told "The policy of this hospital is
to treat the children without the parents." I answered "The policy of this
parent is never to leave her child when he is frightened."

The stiching was done in my presence, my son never was frightened, watched
carefully what was being done, and we both walked out with smiles on our faces.

Jeanette Panchula, child advocate