Guilt over my kids

I’m struggling with feelings of guilt over all 3 of my children needing expensive orthodontic work.

I’m feeling guilty that they have to go through the pain and inconvenience of it (I made them so it must be my fault they all have issues)

And I feel guilt about spending so much money on all of this treatment (but also with gratitude that we are able to fund this for them now to help them before further complications in adulthood)

Teeth have been a source of stress for the last 10 years. When my now 15 year old was 5, he had to have a tooth extracted as I had not noticed that he needed a filling. When we attended a dentist for his check up it was too late to save his tooth. He had a terrible experience having it extracted and this left him traumatised. We then had to find him a specialist dentist who did wonders for his confidence and he is back under the care of a more traditional dentist now.

I just dread each time we go to the dentist or orthodontist now and I need to break this habit to help my kids move forward with their treatment more positively. (Although yo be fair on the kids they are less stressed than me about it they are all dealing with their treatment really well). Thanks. I’m just not sure they’re to start with unravelling these emotions.

 

 

Answer:

How many humans do you think are born with perfect teeth? How many people will manage to have no cavities in their lifetime? Of course as parents we feel a sense of responsibility to taking care of our children’s teeth. How is it true that you are doing a great job at doing this?

What I see in your story is a parent who cares, who does things even when they are uncomfortable for the good of their children, and who invests money in their future health and happiness.  What do you see?

You get to tell the story of your children’s teeth any way you want. The first part of your book has been called “Teeth have been a source of stress for the last 10 years.”  What do you want the next chapter where you have three children getting orthodontic treatment to be titled?