The Unbelievers

I know that one day my children aren't going to believe in a lot of things that they do now at age seven when virtually anything is possible.  On St. Patrick's Day Molly set out a 'Leprechaun Trap' in hope of getting wishes when she caught a Lil Irish fellow, cause apparently Leprechauns are like Genies, who knew?

I read that some time between age eight and nine most children (75 percent) no longer believe in Santa, The Tooth Fairy, or the Easter Bunny.  I am aware that we're running out of time, that we're skating on thin ice, and that soon enough Leprechaun traps will be replaced with eye rolls and tweenage attitude.

via Reader's Digest

I get that some parents never give the false promise of magical creatures to their children, and that's cool.  But if/when you tell your child that you are the big jolly guy or doesn't exist, do me and other parents a solid? Just tell them to STFU about it.

Twice in the past few months I've been aware of kids seeing it as their own sworn duty to ruin the magic of Easter, Christmas, and the tooth fairy for my kids and other kids who are significantly younger.  This is particularly uncool at holiday related events.  Okay, it's never cool.  Don't believe, but stop ruining it for others.

In the most recent incident, last week, Molly and Jack came home one evening telling me about this child revealing huge childhood spoilers to kids around them.  This was something that was sparked by the placement of egg and spring decorations going up around them.  So, I did what I always do, I asked my kids what they think.  Their answer, "Well, X does tend to lie a lot, and she doesn't even believe in ghosts so I'm just going to ignore her."  Interesting, but fair.

When the time does come to tell your kid the truth about magic, please also talk to them about how fun and amazing it is to keep the spirit of holidays alive for others and start some new traditions together to help inspire a sense of giving, community, and sharing.  Let them get the glitter pen out to decorate eggs, help you build a scavenger hunt, or give a Christmas surprise gift to a lonely neighbour, relative, or someone in need.  Cause no one likes a Debbie Downer, whether they're 36 or six.  Hoppy Easter!

Pulling Teeth - Parental Survival Guide for Dental Fillings & Extractions

The past two weeks has felt like a series of appointments and work deadlines.  As Groundhog day approaches I can't help but think about the Bill Murrayness of the past two weeks, particularly the number of hours our entire family has spent at the dentist.

This week Molly had her first filling, and on Friday Jack has to have a tooth pulled and a filling.  It turns out one of the other things that can happen when you have twins is that if both babies aren't getting all the nutrients they need, they could end up with some teeth with poor enamel, here's another thing that Jack can blame on his sister.  The paediatric dentist assures me there will be laughing gas, I'm hoping they save some for me.

Molly was a champion at her filling, didn't need freezing, and only whimpered once.  Our dentist assures me she was better than a lot of grown-ups are.  As we prepare for Jack's big day at the dentist Friday I am spending a lot of time thinking about what made Molly's filling such a painless endeavour, and ways we can prepare Jack for a more lengthy and demanding dental "performance".

Image courtesy of YouTube

9 Tips for Kid Success and Minimal Meltdowns at the Dentist  

1. Find out whether or not you will be going to be beside them for the procedure to help manage their expectations. Different dentists have different rules, so ask.  This way you can prepare your kiddo for what's going to happen. The right dentist is essential to making sure your children don't develop a fear of what should be a fairly routine and pain-free experience.
2. Bring them sunglasses.  Some dentists have them for little kids whose eyes are sensitive to the bright lights, but it doesn't hurt to bring a pair with you just in case.  Telling Molly she looked like a movie star distracted her for a good five minutes of the appointment.
3. Emphasize the importance of being still with your kid, as well as listening, and that they better they are at listening the sooner it will be over.
4. If they're having trouble doing what the dentist is telling them, start a game of Simon Says.  (The paediatric dentist did this with Jack so we could get X-rays for a very sore tooth, and it worked really well).
5. Bring distractions.  Favourite books to read in the waiting room or videos on your cell phone (which should be fully charged just in cased) may save your bacon when you're bored or uncomfortable kid needs a distraction.
6. Know the things that bug your kid and cope.  Jack is really sensitive to loud noises, they freak him out.  So we'll be bringing an ipod with his favourite songs on it to distract him from the sound of the drill, which is a major source of stress for him.
7. Bribe them for good behaviour.  Seriously.  I told Molly that if she was good I'd buy her a toy valued at $20 or less.  The best money I've spent in a long time, and she's thrilled with her new stuffed dog named Poppy.  Jack is getting a chocolate shake from "Old McDonalds" (that's what my kids call it) as a treat after his filling, and the same promise of a new toy.
8. Praise them for their good behaviour.  Jack was a star getting his X-rays, even though it sucked. Molly was amazing.  Going to the dentist freaks out a lot of adults, be sure to celebrate the good things they do to help make the dentist a fun experience.  
9. You know how at Christmas parents hang over their kids head that Santa is watching?  I'm not going to be above talking about the tooth fairy as Jack prepares to put his very first tooth under his pillow on Friday night.
   
   
   To read tips on making your toddler's first trip to the dentist a success click here

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