Doctors reveal the #1 thing they’d never let their kids do—it’s eye-opening

Parenting is a full-contact sport, and nobody knows that better than doctors who double as moms and dads. In a viral video with over 66 million views, medical pros shared the one thing they’d never let their kids do—and their advice ranges from the practical to the surprisingly personal.

Here’s the list of “never evers” shaking up the parenting world, made viral by pedsbraindo, the Instagram account run by Dr. Shilpa Dass, MD Child Neurologist and Development Specialist.

1. “I would never let my child eat grapes without cutting them.” – Pediatric anesthesiologist
    Doctors know that grapes (and their evil cousins, hot dogs) are choking hazards that can turn snack time into an ER visit. A PSA for parents: slice ‘em like you mean it.
   

2. “I would never let my son ride an ATV.” – Neurosurgeon
    ATVs may scream “fun,” but for this brain doc, they’re a hard pass. Translation: those four-wheelers are risky business when it comes to head injuries.
   

3. “I would never let my kids play with toys that have button batteries.” – Gastroenterologist
    Button batteries might be tiny, but they’re no joke. If swallowed, they can cause major internal damage faster than you can Google “symptoms.” Keep them far, far away from curious little hands.
   

4. “I would never let my kids go to school without learning about periods and birth control.” – OBGYN
    From pads to Plan B, this doc keeps it real. The message? Empowering kids with knowledge about their bodies is non-negotiable.
   

5. “I would never have a trampoline in my house.” – Orthopedic spine surgeon
    A backyard bounce house might sound fun, but for orthopedic surgeons, trampolines = ER visits waiting to happen.
   

6. “I would never let them text and drive.” – Internist
    One doctor’s straightforward rule: safety over selfies. Model good behavior now, so your kids won’t text and drive later.
   

7. “I would never let my kids sleep in their contacts.” – Ophthalmologist
    Overnight contacts? Not today, says this eye expert. Protect those peepers by prioritizing hygiene over convenience.
   

8. “I would never make my child feel guilty about their food choices.” – GI and obesity medicine specialist
    This doc keeps it compassionate, reminding us that guilt has no place at the dinner table.
   

9. “I would never let my kids vape.” – Neurodevelopmental pediatrician
    You’ve heard it before, but it bears repeating: vaping is not harmless. Doctor parents are sounding the alarm, big time.
   

10. “I would never let my child go on a sleepover.” – Neurodevelopmental pediatrician
     This one may cause a stir. Whether it’s about safety, supervision, or screens, this doc says sleepovers aren’t worth the stress.

Parenting is full of judgment calls—and what works for one family might not work for another. Doctors see the worst days of people’s lives, which shapes their advice, but every parent needs to do what’s right for their kids and their family. On balance, though, it’s good to know the risks and tips that can help keep our kids safe and healthy.

Related: New study: Cutting sugar in the first 1,000 days could shape your baby’s health for life

Our take? Cut the grapes. Consider alternatives to toys with button batteries. And maybe rethink the trampoline in the backyard. Take it from the pros.

Related: If you’re being told to ‘watch and wait’ on your child’s health issues, here’s what you can do