- Totally agree—giving kids some control really does help, but I’ve definitely seen it go both ways too.
- With my son, if I explain every step, he’ll sometimes get fixated on one detail and spiral. But if I just say “the dentist will clean your teeth,” he’s suspicious and thinks I’m hiding something.
- Letting him hold a tool or press the chair button seems to make him feel like he’s part of the process, though. Not sure why, but it’s almost like it distracts him from the actual procedure.
- I remember hating the dentist as a kid. My mom tried bribes and cartoons, but like you, I just wanted to know exactly what was happening and when it’d be done. Still do as an adult—give me the timeline, not the distractions.
- One thing that’s helped us: short, clear explanations, then letting him ask questions after. If I pre-load him with info, it’s overload city.
- Snacks/tablets are useless for us too; once we’re in the chair, he’s all about business.
- No magic trick here either…just a lot of trial-and-error and patience. Every appointment feels like running a tiny experiment.
Man, I swear the dentist chair turns my brain to mush. Last time, my kid was cool until the hygienist said “polish,” and then he wanted to know if his teeth would be shiny “like a car.” Cue meltdown. I’d take a timeline over a surprise any day too… but apparently, kids like to keep us guessing.
I get why you’d want a timeline, but sometimes giving too much info ahead of time can actually ramp up anxiety for certain kids. I’ve seen some little ones do better when we just explain each step as we go, in kid-friendly terms. Every kid’s different, though—sometimes you just have to read the room.
sometimes giving too much info ahead of time can actually ramp up anxiety for certain kids
That’s interesting—do you think that works for adults too? I always want every detail before I sit in that chair, but sometimes it just makes me more nervous. Is it better not to know exactly what’s coming? I tend to overthink every step.
I totally get what you mean—sometimes knowing every detail just gives my mind more to chew on (pun intended). For some, a bit of mystery actually keeps the anxiety down. But then again, not everyone likes surprises at the dentist... it’s a tricky balance.
