To the Dentist!

Despite our efforts in brushing and flossing and avoiding excessive amounts of sugary things, Lils has a cavity. We're going to get it repaired today and I'm doing my best to pretend I'm not absolutely freaked out by the whole thing. Really? Cavities on a 5 year old?
The story is that her back teeth are growing very close and there isn't much room for saliva to get between them. It seems saliva creates some sort of barrier on the tooth that keeps them from rotting away, or something like that.
I have to wonder if it's got to do with the fluoride thing. We haven't kept her completely away from the stuff, but our town water isn't fluoridated and I don't get the supplements. I am a bit neurotic about the stuff I give my child and I admittedly do online research to learn about the vaccines and the supplements and pretty much anything that goes into her system. Sodium Fluoride is really scary if you google it. Go ahead, I dare you.
So I chose not to do the fluoride thing. Maybe that's the reason, maybe it's the teeth too close thing, or maybe it's just genetics. Weak enamel handed down through the generations. (Thanks, Dad)
Either way, she is going in for some dental work today. She's a pretty mellow kid at the dentist office, so that's something. Hopefully, it will go smoothly.

Here's a fun pic from a hygienist appointment last summer. Her friend came along for a ride in the chair. 

Balancing Act

The little one had her first piano lesson today.

This is her first scheduled activity that she has to be at on a weekly basis.
I'm going into that phase of parenting where I want to have her be exposed to as many cool things as possible without over-scheduling her life. You've seen the parents that fail epically at that. You know, the ones that have multiple things each week for their tiny one to do. Violin, soccer, karate, art, play groups, and so on. While all those things are great for kids, some parents can over-do it.
If you think your kids may be over-scheduled, here's an article with a few helpful hints for you.
While mine is only 4, and piano is just one new activity, I can see how parents get carried away and overdo it. Whenever she shows slight interest in anything, I want to sign her up for that activity.
Personally, I'm really more a fan of free-range parenting: allowing kids enough free reign and independence to let their curiosity and imaginations flourish.
The piano teacher lives in my neighborhood, so she'll have another safe place she knows when she's a little older and roaming the 'hood on her own. Even her scheduled time is part of my greater plan to develop her independence.
So, it's about balance. A fun lesson here and there, some free time to roam and explore, and a little guidance along the way. With a little luck, she'll grow up to be a smart, well-rounded and independent woman.