My daughter Alaina took her second trip to the dentist today, a morning full of challenges, if not necessarily the expected ones. I’ve seen multiple Facebook posts from other parents that had to physically restrain their screaming children as their teeth were marginally cleaned by exasperated hygienists, promising everything from ice cream to ponies in order to coerce their kids to hold still for ten minutes. I’ve seen and heard stories of destroyed waiting rooms and judgmental looks, sad tales of tears and woe.
We seem to face different problems with this child.
After several days of Alaina returning to her habit of waking me up when she did, she chose today to again spend the morning by herself. She’d used a kitchen chair to retrieve mommy’s IPad, apparently not placed as far out of reach as thought. I found her sitting nicely on the couch, watching YouTube videos of some guy reviewing the newest Disney toys. Besides a new place to store the tablet, a new code seems to be needed.
Already behind schedule, the process of getting dressed and actually out of the house began. There are many days when Alaina will accept whatever outfit is presented to her without complaint. Other days she refuses to put on anything that she doesn’t feel is “beautiful” enough. This was a “special” day because of her much anticipated “appointment.” It went neither smoothly or quickly.
The actual teeth cleaning part of the day was easier than any rational person would imagine, as was her last visit. Any endeavor that involves Alaina being the center of attention goes well. There was no wait and she gleefully jumped into the chair, opening wide without prompt. She followed all given directions and had yet another stranger convinced that she was nothing but a “little angel.” We were very proud of her.
When she was done it was mommy’s turn. My reason for going on this adventure was to keep Alaina occupied during this time, but it turned out that my presence was unnecessary. She was more than happy to help with mommy’s cleaning, at one point carrying on the family tradition in healthcare by taking her mother’s X Rays.
Getting out of the office took a little more time. Every employee needed to be said goodbye to. A few got hugs. She refused to leave without spending a few minutes discussing the fish tank with a guy that had come in after us. She was happy with her new toothbrush but very disappointed that she didn’t get braces. Her big sister got braces. Didn’t seem fair.
Eventually, we made it home. For as much time as I spend shaking my head at this kid’s antics, there are very few parents that can say that their three year old was the highlight of the day for everyone at the dentist’s office.
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Originally published on Thirsty Daddy
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