As parents, we often find ourselves attributing various infant behaviors to teething, with explanations ranging from endless drooling to sleepless nights. However, a recent article in Slate suggests that teething usually causes only mild symptoms, challenging the notion that it’s always the root cause.
Like many parents caught in the exhausting cycle of nighttime cries, I’ve yearned to find something to alleviate my child’s discomfort while also trying to make sense of the situation—both for her and for myself. Blaming teething feels like an easy answer to a question that often has no clear solution.
After 15 years of parenting, I still seek clarity for every little ailment. If my daughter complains of a stomachache, my mind races to the worst-case scenario—appendicitis—when it could simply be nerves about her upcoming math test. When my 12-year-old son is irritable, I instinctively offer him an apple, convinced he’s just hangry, rather than accepting the fact that, well, he’s 12!
My 15-year-old doesn’t drool, but he does keep late hours and often seems cranky. Is it his wisdom teeth coming in? Is he stressed about fitting in with his friends? Or perhaps it’s just the hormonal whirlpool typical of adolescence? I wonder if a heart-to-heart chat would help, or maybe he just needs some Advil or a good hug.
And so, there I am, a mom, searching for answers in the wee hours of the night. One of the hardest lessons I’ve learned is that not every issue comes with a neat solution. My daughter could be anxious about her math exam, suffering from appendicitis, or maybe she just ate too many raisins. Most likely, she’s simply stalling bedtime.
My tween might be hangry, fatigued, or just naturally moody, and no amount of apples will change that. As for my teen, he could be up late texting, lost in comic books, or engaged in activities I’d rather not consider. His wisdom teeth may be a factor, or he could be under the stress of high school pressures, or perhaps there’s an unseen heartache at play. Like infants, teens often communicate through irritation, leaving me to wonder if I’ll ever truly understand the reasons behind their moods, just like I never figured out the cause of three months of drooling.
Parenting is filled with uncertainties, and every term we can put to our experiences helps us feel more in control. Yet, perhaps the more prudent approach is to accept that we can’t fix every problem or soothe every ache and pain. For more insights on navigating the complexities of parenting, check out this engaging post on our blog.
If you’re considering home insemination options, you might also want to explore reputable retailers like Make A Mom for at-home insemination syringe kits. Additionally, the Genetics and IVF Institute is an excellent resource for those interested in pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, parenting is a journey filled with questions, and while we may not have all the answers, learning to embrace the uncertainty can be a powerful step forward.
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