ds knocked a tooth out today

[LuigiB]

He is 3yo and slipped and fell and his top front tooth came out roots and all. He was so brave and was just great with the doctors in A and E and appears to be back to his normal self.

I know it is relatively trivial and it will grow back eventually, but my confidence with him feels like it has taken a big hit. Dh is overseas and I just have nobody here I can really talk about it with. It just feels like I am constantly saying- don't stand/jump/run on there, be careful, don't fall, - and then the one second I look away something like this happens.

I think I need to gain some perspective here, I know it could of been worse, but don't know how to get a grip...

I understand how you feel - my 2.3yo only chipped his front tooth on boxing day but it has taken me a couple of weeks to get it into perspective. I know not as bad as your situation but I totally feel for you! I felt a bit shallow worrying about it so much but really I think we have every right as their mothers! I am still telling him don't jump, run put that in your mouth etc all the time - I am surpised he has any teeth left. The dentist said I would need to wait 6 weeks to see if he has damaged it and whether it will need to come out. I did a search of discussions re lost/chipped teeth on mumsnet the day it happened and so many came up and it made me feel alot better as it is pretty common! Also have since spoken to lots of people and everyone seems to know someone who has accidently lost one of their baby teeth - so try not to feel bad or worry too much!

Big hugs!

Thanks strig for your message - you're right it does feel shallow when you know other parents are going through so much worse, but sometimes I just feel a bit alone and like I am not being a very good mum. I think I will feel better after a good nights sleep and hopefully I will be able to pull myself together before dh comes home next week...

It will get better - as you say people go through alot worse but still this is very upsetting. It may seem trivial to others but I am sure if they were in your situation they would feel the same.

I am always thinking I am not a good mum so you are not alone - but I don't think we would be worrying if that was the case!!

These incidents haunt you for ages! I still shudder at the very near miss we had when DD nearly got scalded, my poor Mum blamed herself (it kinda was her fault but telling her that wouldn't have helped either) and she still gets upset if it comes up in conversation.
The fact that its still upsetting you sort of proves that you're a caring parent who takes looking after their children seriously.