Parents sometimes struggle to get their little ones to brush their teeth. Kids will often see this as an unnecessary chore that takes time away from things they would rather be doing. As a parent, you know that your job is to somehow get your child to enjoy this task, but how?
Kids Get to Pick Their Brush and Toothpaste
Take kids shopping and let them pick out their own style and color of toothbrush. Allow them to select the brand of toothpaste they like. Some brands offer kids versions, which makes this easier. By allowing your child to control these two decisions, they develop a strong sense of personal responsibility in taking care of their teeth.
Make Up a Silly Song
Kids love silly songs. Put your thinking cap on and come up with a short song about how fun it is to brush your teeth. The melody should be catchy. If you can’t think of a tune, borrow from a popular song. Make up some words – keep it simple. Sing the song each time you want your child to brush their teeth. Your child will want to join in and sing it too. This toothbrush song becomes part of the daily routine.
Give Them a Cool Stool
Purchase a colorful child-sized stool and place it in the bathroom, or nearby. This is their stool that they can climb up on when they are ready to brush. A stool makes it easy for kids to reach the sink.
Brush Like a Train
All aboard! The tooth brushing train is leaving the station. Tell your kids that they are going to brush their teeth like a choo-choo train. Demonstrate this for them and ask them to copy you. They will get caught up in imitating a train motion while they brush.
Sticker Reward
Buy a whole bunch of fun stickers and place one on your child’s face, hand or in a sticker book each time they successfully brush their teeth.
It might also help if your family dentistry in Greenwood, such as Stones Crossing Dental Office, can help put your children at ease about taking care of their teeth. One of the keys is to turn teeth brushing into a fun activity. Teaching a child to brush their teeth after meals can be a bit challenging for parents. Kids will learn to look forward to this common task when it becomes fun. Choose one or more creative ideas that turns the tables and make kids happy to brush.
