Day 1046 | A New Dentist

If I were to write a parenting book, it would be entitled, Short Term Pain for Long Term Gain. I'm not writing one, for the record (because what do I know?), but I've realized over the last year or so that this is definitely my parenting strategy (although it took me about four years to realize). I don't make decisions regarding my kids + their behavior to make things easier for me. I don't give into them when they kick + scream + fight. This has been my strategy with nursing habits, toddler tantrums, eating habits, sleeping issues, etc. I deal with the challenge in the short term so that I don't have to deal with craziness for the long term. And, for the most part, it's worked for our kids (I know everyone's kids are different and everyone's situation is different so I'm not suggesting this should be everyone's parenting philosophy). 

Today, I threw that philosophy out the window by taking the boys to, gasp, a "fun" dentist. This one. Normally, I would say that tricking kids with things like movies and prizes (and a slide in the waiting room!) isn't necessary and only leads to problems later on...but not today. 

This pediatric dentist was able to get such a better look at my kiddos' mouths by distracting them with all the shiny lights that it was TOTALLY worth it. Even though there were the typical dentist-chair-challenges (the x-rays...sheesh!), both boys walked out as happy as can be arms full of random swag and cheap toys and they asked why they can't go to the dentist every day. 

They might be onto something...and we'll definitely be back.