Must . . . stop . . . Fist of Death

[pegkerr]

Delia has lost her retainer. She had it at the dojo, but realized it was missing when getting out of the car at the end of the trip home. She said she thought she left it in sensei's office when she was talking to him (Why????)

I drove to the dojo today and went through sensei's office. No retainer. I called her to ask the obvious stupid question, "If it's not where you thought you left it, then where did you leave it?" She, of course, gave me the obvious and even stupider answer : "I don't know."

It will take $125.00 to replace. We already replaced it once this year, about three months ago.

*Forcibly restrains bad language*

Thinks about it and screams:

I DON'T NEED THIS!!!

Edited to add: It would take 25 weeks of Delia's allowance to replace. If it is not found, I will have her pay for some of it. I don't know how much.

Edited to add again: The retainer was found on the floor of the car. Phew.

Comments

[vass]

Does Delia have an allowance? If so, how long would it take her to pay for it out of that? Would contemplating this maybe motivate her to think of some more places to look?

[malinaldarose.livejournal.com]

This is precisely what I was going to suggest.

[ladyjaida.livejournal.com]

When I had to wear my retainer all day, I definitely almost lost it more than once, but the threat of having to pay for it myself should it actually be lost caused me to go to the ends of the earth--one time, I dug through a trashbag--in order to make sure I didn't have to buy another one myself. I second (well, third, I guess!) the suggestion of Delia having to pay for it herself. She may suddenly remember where it is--or at least look harder for it.

[mizzlaurajean.livejournal.com]

Here's hoping it magically shows up before you have to get another replacement!

[kijjohnson.livejournal.com]

My bother had to pay to replace a pair of glasses he lost once. He didn't lose them again.

[hobbitbabe.livejournal.com]

GAAAHHH!


I didn't get a retainer until I was 18. I was paying for all of my orthodontia myself, so I paid for the lost one. I also had the motivation to go through the garbage at McDonalds to recover the other lost one.

[lindelea1.livejournal.com]

When eldest lost her retainer, we docked her half of her allowance until she'd paid half the cost of the replacement. Yes, it took awhile. And it "hurt" for a long time. And it made her more careful.

[la-belledame.livejournal.com]

Ow. So been there done that. My daughter is FOREVER misplacing, then finding, her retainer. We've found it in pockets, in purses, in the pocket of the car door, under the car seats....

I hope she finds it.

[jbru.livejournal.com]

Phew indeed! Glad things worked out and hope you have several days of lower-than-average stress to make up for today!

[dreamcoat-mom.livejournal.com]

I'm not sure I want to hear these things, as we plunge into the wild and wonderful world of orthodontia this coming Thursday. *covers ears* Lalalalalala!

Do they need to start from scratch to make the new appliance, or can they use her existing impressions? I'm wondering, because it sounds like that would mean running to an unanticipated appointment - something you obviously don't need right now.

[dreamcoat-mom.livejournal.com]

D'oh - I just saw the edit. Sorry, dear. Good news, though! Must have been a guardian angel.

A Plea from a former retainer-wearer

[whapnoggin.livejournal.com]

Please don't be too angry with Delia. I know it seems thoughtless of her, but the fact is that a retainer is sometimes hard to keep track of when one is a kid and distracted by a thousand other things. I had to go through trashcans on several occasions because I would forget to take it off of my lunch tray. Once we drove several miles back to a restaurant while on a road trip.

And it never helps a kid to think that a parent sees you primarily as a money sink. My own mother: "WE SPENT ENOUGH MONEY ON YOUR MOUTH TO BUY A SMALL CAR!" Me, in tears: "DID I HAVE A CHOICE? DID I ASK YOU TO?"

Re: A Plea from a former retainer-wearer

[nickel234.livejournal.com]

I do so agree with this!

It seems all of us that had orthodontia have AT LEAST one story of digging through trash cans. I remember a friend of mine having to dig through the school DUMPSTER and all of the bags to find hers.

While I do have a nice straight smile, I do remember my mom saying quite the same things as yours and thinking "I didn't ask for this - it hurts me to have it and it hurts me to hear you say that, I'm not sure it's worth it."

Re: A Plea from a former retainer-wearer

[pegkerr.livejournal.com]

Well, I didn't issue any threats, I just helped her look for it. I am glad that we found the retainer, so it didn't become an issue.

We have gone back to retrieve the retainer from a restaurant, and we have had to dig it out of the trash at times. But we have always found it. We had to replace the previous retainer because a wire broke, due to normal wear, and I don't hold that against her. She has been extremely good about cooperating with the regime, and she really hasn't lost it permanently yet. Yes, for a ten year old, that is a above and beyond display of responsibility.

And I have just gone to her room and told her so.

Yay!

[nickel234.livejournal.com]

Go MOM!

I know kids can be trying, but you really seem to do well at keeping your cool.

I love my mom, I know she loves me. But telling me that I did well was never her strong suit.

I applaud you for doing so!

[leiabelle.livejournal.com]

I lost my retainer at the beach when I was a kid. I *still* feel bad about that. Very glad that Delia's retainer turned up.

Re: A Plea from a former retainer-wearer

[leiabelle.livejournal.com]

I remember a friend of mine having to dig through the school DUMPSTER and all of the bags to find hers.

I had to do that once too. Not fun, but better than losing it for real.