Do I Have to?

Nadine, in the dentist office with her mother, listened in horror as her dentist said, “You have gingivitis.  You need to start flossing daily and brush your teeth with a timer for 2 minutes.”

Nadine didn’t like adults telling her what to do, didn’t want hurting gums and wondered what to think. While getting ready for bed, Nadine asked, “Do I have to do what the dentist said? It sounds like too much. Will it help my gums?”

Her mother replied, “Nadine, a limitation in itself is neither good nor bad. It’s the purpose we assign to it that gives it meaning. It’s what we do with it that matters. If you understand how it helps you, it isn’t too much to care for your person. We all love you and want what’s best for you.”