Dentist

I like working outside the home. I think that fact is true because there is a certain amount of predictibility to it. That is saying a lot because I work three days a week in a job that deals with the general public. But I have found that there are times when I just cannot predict the reaction my kids will have to a situation, no matter how much preparation I try to put into it.

When Trent was three I scheduled his first dentist appointment. For weeks prior to the appointment we read books about going to the dentist. Each evening I would brush his teeth with him leaned back on my lap while I did my best to make the same sounds the electric tootbrush makes. We talked about it all the time. And, when we got there he refused to open his mouth. Flat out refused. He wasn't mean about it, he didn't cry, he just wouldn't open his mouth. Our dentist was great about it and let him ride in the chair and we left with another appointment scheduled for six months later. On the way home, Trent told me that he had overheard Pappy and I talking about how his dentist pulled out a tooth. Because he liked all his teeth, Trent was not willing to give our dentist a chance to snag one. Since that visit, it has been smooth sailing for Trent at the dentist, but I thought I had totally prepped him for that visit, but I was wrong.

Ian's first dentist appointment was on Monday. And I realized last week that it was coming. There wasn't time for weeks of discussion so my prep this time consisted of a chat with Trent on Monday morning. I asked him to volunteer to take the first appointment, noting that Ian may feel more comfortable watching how it all worked before trying it out himself. When we got to the office, I began filling out the new patient information as the boys talked about the waiting area. Suddenly Ian said, "I'm going first." Which, of course, led to an argument about who would really take that first appoinment. I stepped in and explained to Trent that we should let Ian choose. (And after that didn't work, I threatened to buy him a pink Barbie backpack for school. Fine parenting at its best.)

Shortly after our 'discussion,' the hygenist walked to the waiting area and when SHE asked who would like to take the first appointment Ian stood up, walked right up to her and said, "I would like to take the first one please." After I picked myself up off the floor, I watched as he followed her through the door and out of my sight. Every so often I could hear him answering questions and then he appeared again with his dentist goody bag in hand, smiling from ear to ear. Trent gladly paraded through the door next while Ian told me all about 'that girl' and her magic chair, water gun, mouth sucker thing, and the orange toothpaste he had picked. He also requested to take another turn when Trent was finished.

When Trent came back I got the full report. No cavities for either boy and four loose teeth for Trent! We headed to Target so they could enjoy their reward...new backpacks! A Toy Story backpack for Ian and a Star Wars one for Trent. OK, so at least I could have predicted that!