We took our 4-year-old to the dentist on Friday. She was scared of going the whole week prior.
When we got there, she watched me get my teeth cleaned – intently. Then, she crawled up on that big seat and sat as still as wood. She opened her mouth and listened to instructions. The hygienist was very kind and explained each tool.
At the end of the visit, my 4yo got a toothbrush, a sticker, toothpaste, and mouthwash. Afterward, she proclaimed that it was “super fun.”
I am often – daily – so proud of her I could burst. She is intelligent, compassionate, candid, and creative. She is meticulous about art and eager about learning. She isn’t afraid to say she is afraid. She is constantly reminding Tim & I to be better – “we don’t talk about other people” and “we don’t say ‘stupid’.”
Her tender heart and sweet spirit are gentle reassurances of our choice not to spank. [I grew up in a culture that said if kids weren't spanked, they were sure to be spoiled brats. I don't believe that].
I know she’s not perfect, but neither am I. We’re both in this together.
* This post wasn’t meant to be about spanking. It’s just something that came to mind.
* Now I’m going to order a box of cookies for the Affiliated Dental Center staff (because they are awesome).
Have you taken your child(ren) to the dentist? What was the experience like?
I know this to be true: If I am grumpy or impatient or lacking energy or full of “just-a-minutes” and “not right nows” and “maybe laters,” then my kids mimic my attitude. Every time. So if my kids start acting uncharacteristically unpleasant, I try to react w/ a hefty dose of attention, love, and spontaneity. It’s a wonderful cure.
We ran out in front and dashed back-and-forth to and from the safety of the garage (until we were drenched and our curls were extra curly). When the streets were full and flooding, my 3-year-old said, “Can I go out there?” At first, I was going to say, “Our shoes will get soaked. There are too many cars. Etc.” But then, I said, “Yes.” And I went too! We jumped and laughed and kicked up puddles.
“Parenting With Love & Logic” offers parents an overarching parenting philosophy that emphasizes giving choices that are within firm, loving limits. The book is packed with solid content. In fact, there are so many helpful tools in it that it would be hard to simply “summarize” the book and leave it at that.
“Love & Logic Magic for Early Childhood” repeats the same content, but gives practical examples for parents who have little ones (birth to age 6). Some of the issues covered include whining, chores, bedtime, potty training, and more.
These controversial posts always make me nervous. Mostly because it’s hard to have these kind of conversations when you’re not sitting with the other person, relaxed on the couch or on a big comfy chair at Starbucks.
