Recently, my three kids were at the dentist’s office, each experiencing their own version of dental discomfort. My eldest was undergoing a cleaning, while my middle child was getting x-rays, and my youngest was nervously eyeing a peculiar tool meant for checking his teeth. Sporting stylish shades to shield them from the bright lights, they were all engrossed in an episode of Scooby Doo. However, despite the enticing Cotton Candy-flavored toothpaste—oh, the irony!—we collectively concluded that dental visits are just plain awful.
This experience prompted me to dig deeper into the things my kids despise. While nothing shocked me too much, I was astounded to discover that many of their least favorite activities are among my most cherished.
1. Brushing Teeth
Coming straight from the dentist, this was no revelation. Yet, my dear children, tooth brushing is not a chore; it’s a joy! I can’t fathom how anyone could forget to brush their teeth. Don’t they notice the sugary residue left behind or the remnants of their last meal? And what about the morning breath? Seriously, it’s baffling.
2. Taking a Shower
Almost every evening—okay, maybe not every single night—my kids are supposed to shower or bathe. You’d think I was dragging them to a dungeon. They squabble over who goes first, wail to postpone their turn, and washing hair? It’s an event filled with drama and tantrums! I honestly wouldn’t want to leave the shower if they didn’t start banging on the door, begging for food or tired of throwing toys at one another.
3. Reading
How can they not understand the magic of reading? Once I manage to get them to focus on a book or read to them, they often engage. But the struggle to get there is monumental. You’d think asking them to put down their games and pick up a book was akin to sentencing them to a lifetime of hard labor. For the sake of imagination and adventure, come on, kiddos—read, read, read!
4. Sleep
“But Mooooom, there’s no school tomorrow! Can we please stay up sooo late?” is a common plea while I’m desperately trying to keep my eyes open and dreaming of my cozy bed. “But we’re not tired!” they insist. I think to myself, are you kidding? You’re up at dawn like hyperactive ferrets! Don’t they realize the longer they stay awake, the grumpier I become? Plus, we invested in those beautiful Pottery Barn beds—get in there already!
5. Vegetables
Apparently, if it’s green, it’s revolting—except for M&Ms or those delightful Lucky Charm marshmallows. Not that I’m guilty of buying such treats; I swear they must have had them at a friend’s house. Convincing them to take even one bite of broccoli—dipped in ranch, hummus, or smothered in cheese—is a Herculean task, while for me, greens make up a good half of my diet. I adore salads, broccoli, spinach, and snap peas…and yes, I’ll keep the other half a secret!
Reflecting on this list, I recognize that all five items are fundamental to daily living. They loathe these activities, while I embrace them. The main difference between us? Age. So, I guess I’m just getting old, perhaps a tad uptight, and maybe a bit dull. At least we’ve found common ground on one thing: we all agree that the dentist is not a fun place to be!
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In summary, my children and I may see the world differently, particularly when it comes to the basics of life, but that’s just part of the parenting journey.
Keyphrase: parenting struggles
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