I almost didn’t publish this post. I didn’t want to admit that I’m a slacker mom. But the truth is … I am. Sometimes I completely slack on things. Even things of importance. Like making dentist appointments for the kids.
Aislynn had her first visit to the dentist not too long ago. At the age of five. Actually, she was almost six. Just two months before her 6th birthday she visits the dentist for the first time. Yes, this poor child has been neglected, you can say it. You know I’m saying it to myself. At first I thought no big deal, we brush her teeth, what could possibly go wrong in such a young mouth?
Aislynn was less than thrilled at the idea of some stranger looking into her mouth. It took a bit of bribery coaxing from me to get her into that chair.
She finally agreed to sit in the chair, but no way was she going to open up her mouth. Uh uh, no way.
But, oh? What’s that cool little device? That doesn’t look too awful.
And what’s this? I get to wear these awesome glasses? This might not be so bad afterall.
Open up wide, let’s take a look inside…
She ended up being a very good little patient and held still and opened her mouth wide and all that. But here’s the thing: when I thought that brushing her teeth all these years had been enough — I was wrong. The poor girl inherited my lame teeth and no matter how much she brushes, she is prone to getting cavities. She has a mouthful of them. Had I brought her in at the wee age of 2 or 3 years old (like I was supposed to) we could have caught them while they were just beginning. But now? Well, now we’re talking major fillings on at least two of her teeth, and a few smaller cavities that we are “watching”.
Yes, I feel like lame mom. Yes, I feel bad because she’s our #7 and all the others before her went to the dentist at a much earlier age…and this must say that I have waaaaay too many children to keep track of, because now I’m beginning to slack and the younger ones are suffering for it. Is that what this says? Or am I being too hard on myself. Sometimes it’s hard to tell once the Mommy Guilt creeps in, because we all know how the MG takes over in your mind. Once it gets in there, it’s hard to hear logic above the roar of “FAILURE! YOU ARE FAILING YOUR KIDS, YOU LAME MOM, YOU!!!!”
Shut up, MG — I don’t want to hear it.
In my pitiful attempt at a defense, her teeth looked nice and clean and healthy to me — but alas, the x-rays told a different story. It’s a fact that some of my kids have Rich’s teeth; strong enamel resulting in a non-cavity filled mouth. And the rest of them? Well, they have my teeth; weak enamel, and no matter how much they brush, they are prone to getting cavities.
I just want you all to know that Andrew has had his first check up already — the same week Aislynn had hers. And he has NO cavities. Yay!!! Another one with Rich’s enamel. And Aria? Well, I already have her appointment made, so we will soon see about her. And I’m adding on to the list of my New Year’s Resolutions: NO MORE SLACKING on the important stuff! (it’s still okay to slack on the housework and laundry!)
You are so NOT a slacker! You are busy mom and just because one of your children went to the dentist a little later than the others does not even come close to making you a bad mother. I honestly don’t know how you do it all. I only have 3 children. My oldest is 6 and despite regular check-ups since age 2, diligent brushing and flossing he still has had 4 cavities. I am 35 years old and have less cavities than my 6yo son. And I go YEARS between visits to the dentist. How is this even possible??
So don’t be so hard on yourself. You are FANTASTIC mom and a role model to many, myself included. So keep up the good work Trina!