The Superhero Within My Toddler: A Reflection on Childhood Energy and Behavior

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Recently, my three-year-old son experienced his first dental visit, during which we discovered he had a cavity. It quickly became apparent that he would require assistance to have the cavity filled. As a result, we scheduled a follow-up appointment where he would receive a mild sedative and nitrous oxide to help him relax. The night before the visit, my anxiety was palpable—what if something went wrong?

Upon arrival at the dental office, he was presented with two small cups labeled simply “1” and “2.” To my relief, he drank them without hesitation. We then moved to a cozy room equipped with a couch and a softly playing television, where the assistant assured me that he would soon become less active. However, I spent the next hour observing him bounce from the bookshelf to the couch, using it as a trampoline while gradually emptying the entire bookshelf. Concerned about his hyperactivity, I inquired whether this behavior was typical before sedation. The staff informed me that it was unusual.

As the hour passed, my son became increasingly energetic. When it was finally time for the procedure, he chose bubble gum as the scent for the nitrous oxide mask. The dentist informed me that my son was among the 10% of children who react oppositely to sedation. Instead of calming him, the laughing gas seemed to amplify his energy. He managed to bite the dentist’s finger and remove the bubble gum mask.

In that moment, I thought of how typical it was for him to fall into that 10%. Post-visit, the dentist mentioned he might fall asleep at home, but that did not happen. Instead, my son remained lively until he finally drifted off at 8:30 PM, waking up bright and early at 6 AM.

This situation raised questions for me. Last year, during some developmental assessments, professionals noted certain “red flags” that indicated potential ADHD. On one hand, I see a spirited child brimming with energy; on the other, I recognize the challenges we face. Dinner time often becomes a struggle, as he seems tethered to an invisible force pulling him from his chair.

He finds it difficult to wait his turn, manage his emotions—especially anger—and often fidgets or squirms even when seated. He jumps from one task to another without finishing the first and frequently drifts off mentally, even during conversations. While these behaviors can align with ADHD, I’m not ready to categorize him just yet. I have witnessed his resilience and growth, and I prefer to view him as more than a label.

In my perspective, my son simply made an error at the dentist. He is a superhero in disguise, unaware of the extent of his abilities. He doesn’t realize that the medicine was supposed to work on him; instead, he showcased his exceptional strength and boundless energy. At night, I suspect he’s practicing his flying skills, as the mornings reveal a new level of extraordinary.

Perhaps all children exhibiting challenging behaviors are superheroes in training, still learning to harness their powers. Being in the 10% might mean there are other hidden heroes out there. My son could very well be one of them. Or perhaps I’m mistaken.

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In summary, navigating the complexities of parenting a spirited child can be daunting. While my son’s behavior may raise concerns about ADHD, I choose to view him as a unique individual with untapped potential rather than confining him to a diagnosis. Every child has their path, and understanding their unique traits can lead to better support and nurturing of their abilities.