Totally relate to this—my daughter used to fight brushing every single night until we switched it up and brushed teeth right after dinner instead of waiting till bedtime. Sometimes it's just about finding that sweet spot when they're still cooperative... trial and error indeed.
"Sometimes it's just about finding that sweet spot when they're still cooperative... trial and error indeed."
Totally agree with this! We had a similar struggle with our son. For us, it wasn't the timing as much as the method—we actually let him pick out his own toothbrush at the store (one of those flashy superhero ones, of course). It made him feel involved and excited about brushing. But you're right, it's all about trial and error—every kid responds differently, and what works one month might not work the next. You're doing great by staying flexible and patient through this phase. Honestly, toddlerhood is full of these little battles; sometimes it's just comforting to know we're not alone in trying to figure them out... Hang in there!
We went through something similar with our daughter—she hated brushing her teeth at first. Tried all the usual tricks, but oddly enough, what worked best was making it into a silly game. We'd pretend there were little "sugar bugs" hiding in her teeth, and she had to help us chase them out. Sounds goofy, but it turned brushing into something fun instead of a chore. You're definitely not alone though... toddlers sure keep us on our toes. Hang in there, it does get easier eventually.
Have you tried letting your toddler pick out their own toothbrush or toothpaste flavor? Sometimes giving them a little control over the process can make a big difference. The "sugar bugs" game is clever—kids love imaginative stuff like that. Did you notice if certain times of day were easier than others? Hang in there, you're doing great... toddlers definitely keep things interesting.
"Did you notice if certain times of day were easier than others?"
That's a great point—many parents I've worked with find mornings easier since toddlers are usually less tired and more cooperative then. Evening brushing can get tricky because they're winding down and might be cranky. You might try shifting the evening routine slightly earlier or pairing it with a calming activity like storytime afterward. Toddlers thrive on routine, so consistency really helps... but remember, it's completely normal to have some challenging days mixed in. You're doing wonderfully.
