Once upon a time there were 3 kids who had to go to the dentist.
The oldest said, "I don't want to go to the dentist."
The youngest said, "I don't want to go to the dentist. I want you to play with me."
The middle said, "I LOVE the dentist!"
The kids went to the dentist.
The oldest cried quiet tears as she tried to be brave.
The youngest clung to his mother.
The middle was as happy as she could be.
The kids got their teeth cleaned.
The oldest was anxious, fearful, tearful, and held her mother's hand the whole time.
The youngest screamed every time he had to lay back, even though he was sitting on his mother's lap.
The middle didn't care that her mother wasn't even in the same cubicle as her.
The dentist examined their teeth.
The oldest opened wide with fearful eyes and held her mother's hand.
The youngest opened wide so he could scream.
The middle happily complied with anything anyone wanted her to do.
The kids finished their visits.
The oldest picked two prizes because she was scared but did her best.
The youngest picked one prize that he didn't deserve.
The middle picked the messiest prize because that's just who she is.
After talking with the dentist, two of the kids have baby teeth really close together, indicating the probability for extensive orthodontic needs. The other one is fine for now.
Seven years later, there were 3 kids. 2 of them dreaded going to the orthodontist every 3 months. The middle one cried because she didn't get to go.
Adelie and Staley's World
