As a parent, there is so much on your plate. From managing your work to clearing up the mess your house becomes with kids on board, from teaching them alphabets to putting them to sleep. Over and above that, it is the time they learn how to take care of themselves, brushing included. And for some parents, it is a nightmare to get their kids to brush their teeth. But these creative ways will help you get this tedious task done in no time.
Be a good role model: Monkeys see, monkeys do. Kids want to do almost everything that adults do, and good habits are no exception. When your kids see you brush twice every day, they will do it too! If you’re lucky you might not even have to apply the other hacks below. But again, kids are too unpredictable and somehow when you least expect it, they will just not comply. But no problem, we have more fun tricks in our bag.
Let them choose their brushing tools: There are so many toothbrush options to choose from, manual brushes and then the electric ones, with the cartoon heads, or maybe music. Some are accompanied by accessories like a sand-time too. And even more vast are toothpaste options. Take your children shopping, let them pick their favorites and with their favorite gear on board, it is going to make things so much easier.
Make it a fun activity: Even when the kids are too young to be brushing, let them see you and your partner enjoy this activity. They will be waiting to join the party. Play some songs, dance a little and in no time they will look forward to brushing every single day.
Make up a story: Imagine being told, “ it is time to brush your teeth” vs “come on superhero, it is time to fight the sugar bugs”. Even at this age, I would choose the second one (maybe my mom would too); anyway, you got the point. Get creative, tell them stories about where they, as superheroes have to do something and see the magic unveil.
Take advantage of the tech era: Multiple apps with brushing games are available for android and ios devices. These completely change their perspective about the whole toothbrush routine, making it just another game they play on their phones first thing after getting up and before sleeping.
Reward them: Everyone loves rewards, who doesn’t? Clearing the confusion, we are not talking about bribing the child. Give them small rewards like half an hour’s worth of extra t.v for brushing well the entire week or their favorite dessert once in a while for taking good of their teeth.
These are the few tricks I have come across, and I can’t wait to know more of these from you guys. Do put those in the comment section below, together let’s make parenting a little bit easier, and a lot more fun.
