Brusha, brusha, brusha…..

Typically, I don’t like to write about parenting. My friend, Michelle, does a great job blogging about it, and often I don’t think I have much to add on the subject except to say that I have no idea what I’m doing. But today I needed a little reminder. I needed to remind myself not to worry what other people say about my kid or how I parent. People have judged me for a variety of things, including the fact my kid and I HATE crafts and the kind of music I allow my child to listen to (yes, my child knows many songs by Katy Perry and Kei$ha and not a one by Peter, Paul and Mary).

Today, my son and I both had dental appointments. I was dreading it, because last time I got a lecture from the hygienist about my son’s lack of flossing. For the past 6 months, I’ve attempted to work with him more on his brushing and flossing, but you know what? I freakin’ HATE nagging him about it. He’s been better about it lately, but mostly I just tell him to do it, and if he doesn’t, he’ll just suffer the consequences when his teeth rot and fall out.

When we got to the dentist’s office, we went our separate ways with our respective hygienists. I had someone new and she asked me about my boy and if he brushes and flosses. I said mostly, but it tends to be a battle. She goes on to tell me that she puts her 6-year-old grandson in a headlock to brush and floss his teeth.

Ummm…..I won’t be doing that. I’ll bribe the kid way before I wrestle him to the ground and brush his damn teeth.

As we’re finishing our appointments, Briar’s hygienist told me he IS starting to get a cavity, but it’s minor right now so we’ll wait to do anything about it. She emphasized the flossing again, but was much kinder about it than the last lady. So what did we do on the way home? Went to the donut shop, of course! (I know, I know, but seriously, I needed an iced coffee after that.)

As my son bounced around Tim Horton’s waiting for his sweet treat, I attempted to ignore the scowling woman in line behind us and asked Bri if he thought he really needed the sugar since he was a bit hyper. His reply? “Yes! And Momma?” He opened his arms for a hug and said, “Now gimme me some sugar.” After howling with laughter, I hugged my boy, grabbed our goodies and smiled at the grumpy lady.

Look, I am the first to admit that my kid can be annoying, but you know what? He’s smart and funny and I am completely in love with him. As a parent, I have made mistakes and will continue to do so, but I’ll be damned if I’ll feel bad about the awesome little dude my son has become.

On the way home, we listened to Fallout Boy’s Light Em Up and sang along at the top of our lungs. We talked about our appointments and promised each other we’d TRY to brush and floss more. If we get cavities, we’ll pay the price, but headlocks will not be a part of our dental hygiene plan. Our bedtime routine? Now that’s a different story….