Picture this: my three little rascals are all sitting in the dentist’s chair, each in their own world of dental mayhem. My eldest is getting a cleaning, the middle one is enduring x-rays, and the youngest is battling a scary-looking tool meant to check his teeth. They’re all rocking those stylish shades to ward off the bright lights and zoned out on a Scooby-Doo episode. Yet, despite the enticing Cotton Candy-flavored toothpaste (oh, the irony!), we collectively concluded that a trip to the dentist is the absolute worst.
This got me thinking about other things they despise. To no one’s surprise, I found out that the things my kids can’t stand are actually some of my favorite activities.
1. Brushing Teeth
Fresh from the dentist, it was no shocker that my kids detest brushing their teeth. But come on, kiddos! It’s not a chore; it’s a delight! I mean, who wouldn’t be thankful for toothpaste? I can’t fathom how anyone could forget to brush. Don’t they notice that sugary film on their teeth or the remnants of that last meal? Or at least catch a whiff of their morning breath? Seriously!
2. Taking Showers
Every night—okay, maybe not every night, but most nights—my kids are supposed to shower. You’d think I was dragging them to a torture chamber! They squabble over who gets to go first, wail to delay the inevitable, and when it comes to washing hair? It’s a full-blown meltdown. I just don’t get it. Honestly, I could stay in the shower indefinitely if they didn’t come banging on the door, complaining about hunger or boredom!
3. Reading
How is it possible they don’t see the joy in reading? Sure, once I get them into a book or start reading aloud, they’re usually hooked. But getting to that point is a drama-filled production worthy of an Oscar! You’d think I was sentencing them to a life of hard labor when I suggest they put down the games and pick up a book. For the love of adventure and imagination, why not read, read, read?!
4. Sleep
“But Mooooom, there’s no school tomorrow! Can we stay up late?” is a common plea I hear while I’m practically falling asleep on my feet. “We’re not tired!” they chorus. Are you kidding me? You’re up at dawn, bouncing around like you’ve had too much sugar! Don’t they realize that the later they stay up, the crankier I become? Plus, we invested a pretty penny in those fancy Pottery Barn beds—get in them already!
5. Veggies
When it comes to greens, my kids think they’re utterly repulsive. Except for M&M’s and Lucky Charms marshmallows, of course. Not that I buy that junk! They must have had it at a friend’s house. But convincing them to take even one bite of broccoli—dipped in ranch, hummus, or smothered in cheese—is like pulling teeth. For me, greens make up half my diet, and I absolutely adore salads, broccoli, spinach, and sugar snap peas. Yeah, I’ll keep the other half a secret.
Looking over this list, I realize that all five activities are essential parts of daily life. They loathe them; I love them. The main difference? Age! I guess that makes me old, perhaps a tad uptight, and maybe a bit boring. But hey, at least we can all agree on one thing: dental visits are the worst.
This article was originally published on Feb. 17, 2023. If you’re interested in more engaging content, be sure to explore our other blog posts, including our terms here. For those looking into pregnancy resources, check out this excellent guide on infertility. And if you’re curious about home insemination kits, Cryobaby has some valuable information.
Summary
In this lighthearted exploration, Jenna Parker shares five everyday activities her kids can’t stand—brushing teeth, taking showers, reading, sleeping, and eating vegetables—while she finds joy in each. The contrast in their views highlights the differences in age and perspective, ultimately leading to a humorous reflection on parenting.