Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Sleep Problems

Little C has three stuffed animals who sleep with her at night.  Giraffe-y,  Hoppy, and Alicia.  She's been having a hard time sleeping because:

First, Alicia toots in Hoppy's face.
Then, Hoppy spits in Alicia's ear.
Then Alicia spanks Giraffe-y.
Then  Giraffe-y cries.

And then Little C is woken up and says "You naughty girls."



Science Museum Sights...

Yesterday I took Big C to see the Science Museum.  I especially enjoyed seeing the Body Worlds exhibit.  Folks, make sure to move your bodies and eat healthy!  Most of the diseases represented in the exhibit could have been avoided had the person exercised.

Anyhow, I digress from my point.  Many school groups crowded the museum.    One of the teachers from Prescott, WI was wearing a sweatshirt showcasing a liquor store.  I am sure she wondered why I couldn't take my eyes off of her.  We make kids who wear inappropriate shirts leave school to change but somehow it's o.k. for teachers to wear liquor store apparel?

It's got me thinking about dress codes for teachers.  I'm only 36 years old but I recall when teachers wore professional clothing rather than sweatshirts and jeans to work.  When I worked for Target headquarters they changed their dress code to require men and women to dress professionally rather than in business casual.   Sure there was some grumbling but we had no choice.  Did we want a job?  Then we adapted to the dress code.

Teachers these days don't even do business casual.  And yet they want their occupation to be seen as professional?  I am trying to think of what other professional jobs allow employees to wear jeans, tshirts, and tennies to work?  Lawyers - no, doctors - no, accountants - no, salespeople - no.  Heck, even the people working at Macy's can't wear jeans to work!  I have a feeling they would be sent home to change if they wore a sweatshirt adorned with a liquor store's name and emblem.

If we have expectations for children's attire at school I believe teachers should adhere to similar standards.  Send the teacher home to change...

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

The 'Tweet'est Dentist Ever

We had the good fortunate of visiting a new pediatric dentist office in Chanhassen yesterday, Tweet.  It was started by a cute, child-like sized person named Dr. Tori Thuy-Conrad.  Dr. Tori, herself, is a mother of three young children!  

The office is sweet and small and the staff is friendly.  Dr. Tori spent some time getting to know my six year old daughter, Little c,  and did the majority of the exam and cleaning.  Her assistant did some computer note taking as well as the x-rays.   There were some fancy technology components of the visit which a busy mom can appreciate.  New patient forms were available online and could be submitted electronically.  Each month they draw a name for a free iPod from parents who have completed their forms . E-signing of the forms was available upon checking into the office.  Children can play with the two stationary i-pads in the waiting room as well as watch TV.  

I mentioned my eldest daughter, Big C, having a tooth that might require extraction.  Dr. Tori said "Please tell her we don't pull teeth here.  We only pull weeds!"  Although they do in fact pull teeth, Dr. Tori explained the children don't even realize there is a needle going into their gums and think it's a q-tip.   They prefer not to talk about scary things like teeth "pulling" and make it a painless and positive experience for the child.  Another aspect a mother of small children can appreciate is the bite wings used for x-rays are child sized.  My eldest daughter complained at our previous dentist that she couldn't bite down on the bite wings because they hurt her gums.  Dr. Tori explained there are small sizes used for children. 

All in all, our experience at Tweet was quick, easy, and fun!  Little c left with two toothbrushes, it was too hard to choose with the magenta colored one and the light-up one, and two prizes.  She wanted to come back again and was disappointed when Dr. Tori said she would see her in another six months.  

Check out Tweet in Chanhassen for your child's next dental appointment.   They seem to take the majority of insurance plans and treat children until their early teen years.  


http://www.tweetsmiles.com/