Music can definitely be a helpful tool, especially at first. We tried it with our kids too, and initially, it was a big hit. But like you mentioned, the novelty wore off pretty quickly. After about two weeks, my daughter started complaining that the songs were "boring" and brushing became a chore again.
We did experiment with rotating playlists—switching between Disney songs, popular kids' tunes, and even some upbeat pop music. It helped somewhat, but honestly, the effectiveness was pretty short-lived each time. Kids seem to catch on quickly when something is meant to distract them from a task they don't particularly enjoy.
Eventually, we found more success by combining music with other elements. For example, we introduced a simple reward system—a sticker chart where they earned stickers for brushing without fuss. After a certain number of stickers, they'd get a small reward or special privilege. The combination of music and rewards seemed to hold their interest longer than music alone.
One thing I've noticed professionally is that kids respond well to variety and a sense of control. Allowing them to pick their own toothbrushes or toothpaste flavors can sometimes make a bigger difference than you'd expect. My son got really excited when he chose a toothbrush featuring his favorite superhero. Suddenly, brushing wasn't just something he had to do—it was something he wanted to do because he felt involved in the decision-making process.
So while music is definitely a good starting point, it might be worth exploring other strategies alongside it. Every child is different, so it often takes a bit of trial and error to find what clicks for them.
"Allowing them to pick their own toothbrushes or toothpaste flavors can sometimes make a bigger difference than you'd expect."
This is so true... my daughter was super resistant until she picked out a sparkly unicorn toothbrush herself. Still cautious about rewards though—worried she'll expect treats for everything now, haha.
Haha, sparkly unicorn toothbrushes are definitely a game changer. But honestly, I've found rewards can backfire sometimes. My nephew got so used to getting stickers for brushing that when we ran out one night, he flat-out refused to brush—total meltdown mode. Now we just make it part of his bedtime routine, no rewards attached. Took a bit longer, but now it's just habit... and fewer tantrums over missing stickers, lol.
Totally agree—rewards can be tricky. They're great short-term motivators, but kids quickly figure out the system and start expecting something every single time. I've seen similar issues with other habits too, like chores or homework. Making brushing teeth a non-negotiable part of the bedtime routine is definitely smarter in the long run. Plus, it helps establish consistency, which is key for dental health... fewer cavities down the line and fewer dentist visits (trust me, that's a win for everyone involved).
Yeah, consistency is definitely key. I've noticed that turning brushing into a bit of a game or story can help too. My niece used to hate brushing until we started pretending her toothbrush was a superhero fighting off "sugar monsters." Worked surprisingly well, and now she actually looks forward to it most nights. Curious if anyone else has tried storytelling or imaginative play to make brushing more fun?
