Totally agree with the sticker chart idea—it's simple but effective. Another thing I've noticed helps is letting kids pick out their own toothbrush and toothpaste flavor. It sounds minor, but giving them a sense of control or ownership can really boost their enthusiasm. My niece hated brushing until she got to choose a sparkly unicorn brush and bubblegum-flavored toothpaste (which, honestly, sounds gross to me, but hey, whatever works...).
Also, timing matters. If you brush your teeth alongside them, it becomes more of a shared activity rather than a chore they're forced into alone. Kids love mimicking adults, so seeing you brush regularly sets a good example and makes it feel normal and routine. Plus, it gives you a chance to casually demonstrate proper technique without turning it into a lecture.
Charts and stickers are great motivators initially, but combining them with these little tweaks can help build lasting habits instead of just short-term compliance.
You're spot on about brushing alongside them—it really does make a difference. My son used to dread brushing his teeth until we started making it a family thing. Now he actually reminds me if I'm running late, haha. I also second the toothbrush choice idea; he picked out this dinosaur brush that roars (yes, it literally roars), and suddenly brushing became way cooler.
One other thing we've tried is playing a short song or video clip that's exactly two minutes long. It helps him understand how long he needs to brush without me nagging him about timing. Plus, it turns brushing into something fun rather than just another chore. Sticker charts were great at first, but I found that once the novelty wore off, these little tweaks—like choosing their own gear or brushing together—really helped cement the habit long-term.
"Sticker charts were great at first, but I found that once the novelty wore off..."
Haha, same here. Sticker charts lasted about a week in our house. Curious though, does the roaring toothbrush get annoying after a while? Considering it, but worried I'll regret it later...
We tried the roaring toothbrush too, and honestly, it wasn't as bad as I expected. At first, my daughter loved it—she'd giggle and brush longer just to hear the sound. But after a couple weeks, the novelty wore off, and it became just another toothbrush. Thankfully, the roaring wasn't overly loud or annoying, just mildly repetitive. I'd say it's worth a shot if you're struggling with brushing routines, but don't expect miracles long-term...
We had a similar experience, but honestly, I found the roaring sound a bit distracting after a while. We switched to using colorful sand timers instead—less gimmicky, but surprisingly effective at keeping my son engaged longer term. Might be worth considering if the novelty wears off...
