DEF malingering – a psychological term that refers to an individual fabricating or exaggerating the symptoms of physical disorders for personal motives
A few weeks ago, Jafta had to have a breathing treatment late a night. The fires were raging, and his lungs sounded bad, so we let him cuddle up on the couch and watch Backyardigans way past his bedtime. I think he loved that little moment of being up with mommy and daddy after sister was asleep.
Now, miraculously, every night before bedtime he tells us he needs a breathing treatment. He pretends like he can’t breath, and tells us his “asthma is hurting”. It’s all very dramatic, and he even throws in some fake crying and wheezing.
A classic case of malingering.
Is it bad that I think it’s funny to diagnose my children with psychiatric disorders, just because I can?
Tune in next week when I talk about India’s bipolar disorder. . . .
