Hey Kids, Meet Dr. Chip

The last time our kids had their teeth cleaned, I had to take the Tough Mom Approach. This approach consisted of picking them up from school a little early and not telling them where we were going. Once at the office, they didn't question why we were there, they simply headed straight to the treasure chest. For the first time ever, I said that they couldn't get in the treasure box today, that this ritual was reserved for children who get their teeth cleaned.

Let the tears begin.

So, Chip drug Cooper, kicking and screaming (quite literally) to the back while Kendall cried up front (it was quite the loud advertisement to any new patients walking in, calling, or even driving by on any nearby street).

So, it's ironic that Chip was asked to speak at their daycare for "Dental Health Month." In order to make it even more ironic, we took fake pictures during a fake cleaning visit a few days after the real thing. We had to at least pretend our kids loved getting their teeth cleaned so we could show their friends all the pictures of how GREAT going to the dentist is.

This is Cooper pretending to "open wide" while smiling as big as Kansas. It was during this "visit" that he finally loved being near the sharp instruments and thoroughly enjoyed riding up and down in the chair. Imagine that!
Flossy the Dinosaur (or alligator or dragon, depending on your preference) gets a thorough brushing from Kendall while Cooper and his monster trucks look on.

Dr. Chip shows the kids (not pictured, for fear of being sued for putting someone's child on the internet without prior consent) how to brush and floss, with a little help from the spitting dinosaur (yes, I said spitting. We only had a few kids cry this year).

Kendall, sporting her Chip E. Webb, DDS t-shirt for Daddy Dental Day (and a UT sweat band, naturally).

Cooper's shout-out to Daddy.

Cooper trying to imitate the big mouth on his tee (and doing an excellent job, I think). Shocking how excited he can be about teeth, flossing, brushing and a visit to Daddy's office when we're at HOME.

Don't be fooled, Daddy can scale and pick and floss until the cows come home at our house during our evening brushing routine. Bring them to the office though, and it's a whole new ballgame. All you parents of young ones out there, I hope knowing that the dentist's kids don't do well makes you feel better!