Band-Aids

Today we took a trip to Anabelle’s ophthalmologist. She now has to wear a patch over her left eye for thirty minutes a day to help correct her vision. I was so grateful, and a little surprised, by her reaction to this. As she caught a glimpse of herself in the TV screen, she pointed to the self-adhesive gauze patch on her eye and said, “Mommy, petty!” (petty translates to pretty) And then it occurred to me. Band-Aids are a toddler’s accessory, a fashion statement, and a form of self-expression. Why else would they come printed with our children’s favorite cartoons and Disney characters?

My children prefer the less flashy, grown-up variety of Band-Aid. The kinds that are bigger, come in odd shapes, and perhaps give off the impression of serious injury. Carter sported a huge Band-Aid on his chin for two days this summer just for looks. I think he enjoyed the reaction he got from other parents at the pool – “Oh no, looks like someone took a big fall.” And Anabelle is tickled to adorn her new, huge oval-shaped band-aid on her left eye, but could care less about those small circular Snoopy band-aids she gets after her vaccinations. Odd.

And in case anyone is wondering, this is the proper way to treat someone who has taken a big fall and a big bang on the forehead (according to Carter.)

band-aids