I get where everyone’s coming from about just surviving the dental visit, but I actually think sometimes we end up expecting meltdowns and, without meaning to, it kind of becomes a self-fulfilling thing. My youngest used to freak out every single time—like, full-on tears before we even got out of the car. But after a while, I realized I was prepping him with all these “it’s okay to be scared” talks, which maybe made him more nervous? I tried switching it up—less focus on the fear, more on what he could look forward to after. Even just talking about the cool fish tank in the waiting room or what flavor toothpaste he’d pick.
It didn’t magically fix everything, but it did help shift the mood a bit. I guess I’m just saying, sometimes a little change in how we talk about it can make a difference. Meltdowns still happen, but now they’re not guaranteed every time. And hey, if the comfort item works, awesome—but it’s also okay to experiment a little.
That actually makes a lot of sense. I remember when I first got braces, my mom would always say, “Don’t worry, it’s not that bad,” but I’d still get super tense just thinking about it. What helped me weirdly enough was when she’d talk about the goofy posters on the ceiling or which color bands I could pick for my braces. It took the edge off, at least a little. I think you’re right—sometimes just changing the focus, even if it’s small stuff, can make a difference. The meltdown days aren’t totally gone for us either, but they do seem less intense now.
That’s such a good point about distractions making a difference. I totally relate—my kiddo fixated on the weirdest things in the dentist’s office, like the fish tank or the way the chair moved up and down. Sometimes it felt silly, but if it worked, I was all for it. I do wish more offices would get creative with stuff like that, especially since every little bit helps.
I still get anxious about the cost side of things too, honestly. It’s one thing dealing with the meltdowns, but when you add in worrying about how much the next appointment is going to set you back, it just piles on. Have you found any tricks for managing that part? Like, do you space out visits or stick to the basics for cleanings? I sometimes have to pick and choose what’s really necessary, which isn’t ideal, but it keeps things a bit more manageable for us.
Curious if anyone else feels like the financial stress adds to the emotional stuff for their kids, or if that’s just me overthinking it...
I actually think the financial stress is mostly a grown-up problem—kids seem more focused on the treasure chest or the sticker at the end. My grandkids don’t care how much it costs; they just want to escape with all their teeth still in their heads. I get your point, though—when I’m tense about the bill, I probably pass some of that anxiety along without meaning to. Maybe it’s less about spacing out appointments and more about not letting them see me sweating over the copay… easier said than done.
I really relate to that—honestly, I catch myself getting tense about the bill even when I think I’m hiding it. Kids are so much more perceptive than we give them credit for. There’s been times when a parent’s stress in the waiting room seemed to make their child more nervous, even if the kid was just excited about the toy box five minutes before. It’s tricky… sometimes I wish insurance paperwork was invisible to everyone under 18.
