Cartoons definitely work for my kid, too. I used to be super strict about screen time, but honestly, the dentist is such a unique situation. My son would squirm and get really tense in the chair, and nothing—like talking or holding his hand—really helped. The first time they put on a cartoon for him, I was kind of skeptical, but he just zoned out and let them do their thing. It was such a relief.
I still try to keep screens as a last resort at home, but at the dentist? Different rules. I figure if it helps get through the appointment without tears or drama, it’s worth it. I do wonder sometimes if it makes him expect cartoons every time he’s anxious, though. Anyone else notice that? Still, I’d rather deal with that than have him dread going to the dentist for years… trade-offs, I guess.
I still try to keep screens as a last resort at home, but at the dentist? Different rules.
Same here. I used to be all “no cartoons before dinner” until that first dental meltdown. Now I’d let my kid watch three hours of Peppa Pig if it means we both escape with our sanity (and my wallet intact—those reschedules aren’t cheap). Honestly, I’d take a little screen-time guilt over the cost of another missed appointment any day.
I used to be super strict with screen time too, but it’s like all my rules go out the window the second we walk into the dentist’s office. My kid used to start freaking out as soon as we’d hit the parking lot—like, full-on panic mode. I tried books, little fidget toys, even bribery with stickers... nothing worked. The first time I let him watch a show while he waited, it was like night and day. He just zoned out and suddenly the hygienist could actually get near his mouth without a wrestling match.
Honestly, I get the guilt thing about more screen time, but rescheduling is no joke. Our dentist charges a cancellation fee if you don’t give 24 hours’ notice, and with our insurance, missed appointments aren’t covered at all. It adds up fast. Plus, trying to find another slot that fits around school and work? It’s a headache.
I do wonder if we’re just making it harder on ourselves by keeping such tight screen rules at home though. Like, maybe if my kid was used to watching shows more often, he wouldn’t treat it like winning the lottery every time he gets a tablet at the dentist... but then again, maybe that’s why it works so well as a distraction there.
Anyway, I figure if cartoons mean less stress for everyone and we actually get through the appointment without tears (his or mine), I’ll take it. At this point I’m just trying to keep costs down and avoid another meltdown in public.
I see this all the time—kids who are super anxious until you hand them a tablet, then suddenly it’s like they’re in their own little world. Honestly, I don’t think there’s any harm in bending the screen rules for situations like this. It’s not like they’re binging cartoons 24/7... sometimes you just need to get through the appointment without a meltdown (for everyone’s sanity). Funny thing, though—some kids really do treat it like a rare prize, and others are so used to screens at home that it barely phases them. I guess there’s no perfect formula. Whatever gets you through that cleaning without tears is a win in my book.
I totally get this. I’m always on edge at the dentist—even as an adult—so I can’t blame kids for needing a distraction. Do you ever worry it makes them more anxious about appointments in the long run, though? Or maybe it helps them build positive memories? I never had that option as a kid, but honestly, I wish I had. I still get nervous just hearing the sound of the drill.
