<p>Marian, I have had those thoughts every day for the past six months, as S2 was seriously burned out in the aftermath of IB and has been home since January. Some things I did try to teach (as I’ve told my DIL about S1), but sometimes the lessons just don’t take til they hear it from someone else.</p>
<p>Our dentist also told me S2 needed his wisdom teeth out – and had told him a year prior. Her mention to me was the first I’d heard of it.</p>
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<p>Oh My Gosh - YES!! “Final Exam for parenting!” That is exactly what I feel like. Even though the rational part of me knows that I can’t put all the credit/blame on me, I am quick to assume that all the faults are mine. “I should have done a better job!”</p>
<p>I feel great joy when my kids make good decisions. It cause me great pain when they don’t. They are 22 and 24 now and for the most part making good ones. This is a great relief to me. The years 16-20 were a little (lot) more painful, especially with S2, who seemed to have to learn every lesson the hard way.</p>
<p>S1 brushes once a day, beautiful teeth, never a cavity. S2 has very little enamel and his teeth fall apart even with proper care. He has had dental care since he was 2 and I touched his front tooth and went through it :(</p>
<p>He has a good job, but it doesn’t offer dental insurance. Good teeth are very important to me, so that’s the one expense I still cover. It’s worth it to me for the peace of mind knowing he’s going every 4 or 6 months.</p>