Watermelon toothpaste sounds like a winner—wish they'd had that when I was a kid. I remember my mom trying bubblegum flavor with me, and honestly, it tasted more like medicine than candy. Still pulled faces, just slightly different ones.
About the apps, you're right, they're definitely hit or miss. My daughter initially loved one with dancing animals, but after a week, she was more interested in tapping the screen than brushing her teeth. We switched to a simpler timer app—no games, just a countdown with a little bell at the end—and it worked surprisingly well. I think the trick is keeping it simple enough that it doesn't become another distraction, but still interesting enough to hold their attention for those crucial two minutes.
One thing that also helped us was turning toothbrushing into a mini-event. Sounds silly, but hear me out: we'd announce it dramatically ("Ladies and gentlemen, it's time for the great toothbrushing extravaganza!"), and she'd giggle and run to the bathroom. It didn't always work perfectly, but it definitely made things less of a battle.
Anyway, hang in there. Toddler toothbrushing struggles are practically a parenting rite of passage—you're definitely not alone. And hey, if watermelon toothpaste doesn't do the trick, there's always grape...or chocolate. (Yes, chocolate toothpaste exists. No, I haven't dared try it yet.)
"we'd announce it dramatically ("Ladies and gentlemen, it's time for the great toothbrushing extravaganza!")"
Haha, love this idea! My parents did something similar, turning brushing into a "mission"—it definitely made things less daunting. You're doing great, and trust me, these little tricks really stick with kids.
You're doing great, and trust me, these little tricks really stick with kids.
Haha, that's fantastic! Turning toothbrushing into a dramatic event or a "mission" is honestly one of the smartest parenting hacks out there. I remember my niece absolutely hating brushing until we started calling it "Operation Sparkle Smile." Suddenly, she was all about it... kids are funny like that. And you're right, these little rituals really do stick—she's 8 now and still jokingly asks if it's time for her "mission briefing." Keep it up, sounds like you're nailing it.
And you're right, these little rituals really do stick—she's 8 now and still jokingly asks if it's time for her "mission briefing." Keep it up, sounds like you're nailing it.
Haha, "Operation Sparkle Smile" is clever. My parents tried something similar with me—called it "Tooth Patrol." Worked fine until I got braces... then brushing became serious business. Good habits early definitely help later on.
Haha, "Tooth Patrol" is adorable, reminds me of my own childhood. My dad had this goofy song he'd sing every night about "banishing the cavity monsters." It was silly but effective—brushing never felt like a chore. But yeah, braces changed everything... suddenly brushing felt more like a tactical operation. You're right though, starting fun habits early really does pay off later. Good luck with your little agent!
