Telling children not to talk to strangers.?

Question

I have always instilled in both my girls not to talk to strangers. I have one that constantly asks me if I know that person in the store that I just politely spoke to. Then I have a younger child that will not even speak to her pediatrician. I took her to the dentist (shes 4) In California they just passed a new law that they have to see a dentist before they can go to school. I took her to the dentist, I explained the process, they even let me come in the back which they usually don't do, and she freaked out as soon as the dentist chair went back. The dentist got really pissed and told me that she was too old to act like that and that her behavior is inappropriate. Is this true? I believe she really was just scared. The fact is is that she still needs to see a dentist, but she does not talk to strangers. What do I do?

Answer 1

I'd be looking for a more understanding dentist. My friend takes her children to a pediatric dentist who did one of her son's exams while she held him in her lap. My girls' first dentist not only let me stay in the room with both girls but let my younger DD watch her older sister's appointment so she knew what would happen at hers. So dentists have a wide range of what they are comfortable with.

Talking to strangers is a hard thing to explain because we do have to talk to people we don't know well everyday to get along. You need your kids to be able to talk to teachers, doctors/dentists and maybe even police. I think I'd make sure that I not only explained that to your DD but practiced what would happen and what might be asked by the dentist.

And really, find another dentist. One that will be more understanding.

Answer 2

I would have had to resist the urge to give the dentist an earfull. . .find another one for sure. Just tell the kids that people are strangers until they are approved by mummy or daddy