Trip to the Teeth Tickler

Being the bad mother that I am, I finally got Ryley and Ben into see the dentist. We went ahead and found a Pediodontist (someone who specializes in children) to avoid any issues. I was prepared for the worst, I even made Kev take the morning off so I wouldn't have to go at it alone. The kids did amazingly well. Ryley had x-rays and Ben cooperated completely. No cavities and I'm happy.

But I did have some issues with the dentist. He was an extremely nice man and wonderful with the kids. He's a little on the older side which is nothing to worry about but they can be a little extreme about certain things, in my opinion. Excuse me but here is where my soap box rant will begin...

I was honest in filling out the paper work and put that Ben still has a pacifier. I don't feel bad about this at all and know it is completely because of me and continues because I'm weak. So as he's looking at Ben's mouth he states that it must go now, no questions asked and that it is screwing up his teeth/bite. He was very intense about it, as though I was harming my child in some way. I politely agreed and played along knowing full well it would happen when we were both ready for it to happen. (Ben and I)

Being familiar with the dental world, I know many opinions on this subject and am therefore not to worried about how this is ruining Ben's bite. In fact Ryley's teeth show no sign of using a pacifier and she had hers until she was three and a half. (He commented on how nice her bite was but that she had lots of crowding) The thing that was funny to me is that he commented on how large my children's baby teeth where and mentioned that if their adult teeth were the same that crowding would be an issue for them and braces a must. So if I'm going to be paying for braces, regardless, why the heck does it matter if I wait till it is convenient for me to toss the pacifier!

I'm sure you ask why I don't just toss it and be done, well here is my excuse... Ben loves his sleep, always has. And if you recall Ryley is the complete opposite. For three years now Ben takes about a 3 to 3 1/2 hour nap in the afternoon and sleeps from 7:30 pm until 8am or longer. Granted he's also in a crib but remains content even if he's not asleep the whole time. I know darn well that if I was to take his pacifier away he'd give up naps. If you disagree have a chat with my lovely friend Amy. He needs his naps as much as I need him to still take them.

As we're leaving the dental office Kevin continues to reiterate what the doctor said about how his pacifier needed to go in the trash. Ben agrees and is happy as can be. (He's three remember) Kevin seems to think that this is the end of it, case closed. He'd simply throw it in the trash, never want it again and continue sleeping peacefully.

Being the calm and collected individual that I am I begin to get irritated and the whole issue. It really bothers me when people try to tell me how to parent my children, and by bothered I mean enrages me. I'm all up for suggestions, in fact I take them quite well but when people start talking matter of fact, like there is no other way my ears shut off and I no longer care to hear what you have to say. This is simply because I have little self confidence as a mother to begin with and don't need anymore second guessing that I don't already give myself! I believe you have to do what works for you, if it's not broke don't fix it.

I explained to Kevin that we couldn't just take it away and be done with it. We had to at least replace it with something that he could transfer his attachment to. We went to Target and let him pick out a toy and where on our way home. It was nap time and so we explained again that his pacifier was in the trash and that he had this awesome toy so he could sleep. Kev laid down for a nap, Olivia was already down and Ryley was having her quiet time. I thought I would try a steal a little kip myself. Ben, being tired began to whine and cry. Trying to be strong in this new movement I went in and explained that he had his new toy, he was tired and needed to lay down and go to sleep. He handed me the toy and stated that he didn't want it anymore and asked for his pacifier. I obliged the sweet boy and took the toy back and gave him his pacifier. I told you I'm weak. Kev woke up from his nap and tried to say he was right all along and then I told him I gave in. This is a battle that Kev knows to approach with care. We put him to bed without it and by 10:45pm the crying and whimpering had pushed me over the edge. Heck, I knew I'd be up in 2 hours anyways with Ryley and needed some sleep! The boy was out within seconds.

Ben still uses his pacifier for bed time, whether it be nap or night time. He is no longer allowed to have it when we're just hanging out (this was my weak area) and has a cool new toy to 'pacify' that time. In due time the sweet boy will move to a big boy bed, toss his pacifier and learn how to use the toilet but for now we're doing just fine.