Recently, my three-year-old son, Liam, faced his first dental appointment, which revealed a cavity. It quickly became evident that he would need assistance to have the cavity addressed, prompting us to schedule a follow-up visit for sedation with nitrous oxide to help ease his anxiety. The night before, I couldn’t help but worry: What if something went wrong?
Upon arrival, Liam was given two tiny cups labeled “1” and “2.” He gulped them down without hesitation. Next, we were ushered into a snug room with a couch and a softly playing TV, the lights dimmed to create a calming atmosphere. The dental assistant reassured me that he might become less active and even fall asleep, which was perfectly normal.
However, after an hour of watching my son bounce from the couch to the bookshelf and back again, I was puzzled by his hyperactivity. I asked if this behavior was typical before sedation, and the staff confirmed it was not. When the dentist was ready, Liam was in full-on manic mode. He chose a bubble gum scent for the nitrous oxide, but it didn’t seem to have any calming effect. Instead, he bit the dentist’s finger and yanked off the bubble gum nose.
My immediate reaction was to think, of course, he would be in the 10% of children who respond differently to sedation. Just my luck. The dentist suggested he might finally rest when we got home, but that didn’t happen. Liam was still wide awake, bouncing around until he finally dozed off at 8:30 PM, only to wake up bright and early at 6 AM the next morning.
This incident had me reflecting on previous assessments where specialists noted “red flags” for a potential ADHD diagnosis. Part of me believes he’s simply an energetic little boy, while another part recognizes the struggle he has with waiting his turn, managing emotions, and maintaining focus. Even during conversations, it often feels like his mind is elsewhere, drifting like a small cloud.
These behaviors align with common signs of ADHD, and while I acknowledge that there may be some truth to their observations, I’m not ready to label him just yet. He has overcome so much already, and I prefer to view his behavior as a unique expression of his personality.
In the dentist’s office, I realized that Liam made a simple mistake. He is a superhero in the making, unaware of his own abilities. Perhaps he didn’t comprehend that he was supposed to act as if the sedation worked. He unintentionally showcased his superhuman resilience and boundless energy, which defied our conventional expectations of sleep. I often suspect that while he sleeps, he practices flying around the house, as everything seems different in the morning.
Maybe all spirited children are superheroes in training, struggling to harness their powers. Being in that elusive 10% might mean he’s part of a larger community of heroes. Perhaps my son is indeed a superhero—or maybe I’m just imagining things.
For insights into parenting energetic children, you might find our post on home insemination kits of interest, as it touches on the various aspects of family building. For more resources related to pregnancy and home insemination, check out Women’s Health.
In summary, while my son’s behavior might align with ADHD indicators, I prefer to celebrate his vibrant spirit and view him as a superhero in training. He is navigating his world with an energy that is uniquely his own.
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