Picking out the flossers is such a game-changer, right? I swear, the only reason my niece ever started flossing was because she got obsessed with these glittery unicorn flossers. I’m with you—making it “non-negotiable” just never worked for us either. The more we pushed, the more she’d just cross her arms and refuse. Sometimes I think adults forget how much kids crave even a tiny bit of control.
I’ve tried the silly song thing too, and honestly, it’s hilarious how much that helps. We used to do the “Baby Shark” song (over and over... and over...), but hey, if it gets the job done, who cares? I’d rather have her giggling through flossing than dreading it every night.
Not everyone’s on board with water flossers, but I’m a fan. If it means fewer battles and at least some form of flossing is happening, that’s a win in my book. I know some people say “it’s not as good as string floss,” but honestly, something is better than nothing. Perfection is overrated when it comes to getting kids to actually do this stuff.
I’ve also noticed rewards work sometimes—like a sticker chart or letting her pick the bedtime story if she flosses without a fuss. Not every night is a success, but I figure building the habit is more important than stressing about doing it “perfectly” every single time.
It’s wild how much of this comes down to letting kids feel like they’re in charge of their own mouths. If that means hunting down neon dinosaur flossers or blasting silly songs, I’m all for it. The less of a power struggle it is, the better for everyone’s sanity.
Couldn’t agree more about letting kids feel some control—it’s honestly a game-changer. I’ve seen so many parents get stuck in that nightly power struggle, and it just turns flossing into a battle nobody wins. My nephew only got on board when he could pick his own “cool” flossers too (for him, it was sharks). I’m with you—if water flossers or silly songs make it happen, why not? Consistency matters way more than perfection. Building positive habits now pays off later, even if it’s not always textbook perfect every night.
Consistency matters way more than perfection. Building positive habits now pays off later, even if it’s not always textbook perfect every night.
Totally agree with this. Honestly, I’d rather see kids flossing a little “wrong” but actually doing it, than fighting over perfect technique and ending up with nothing. Anyone else notice that letting them floss your teeth first makes them laugh and then they’re more willing to let you do theirs? Also, what’s the deal with those dinosaur flossers—do they work better or is it just the novelty?
Also, what’s the deal with those dinosaur flossers—do they work better or is it just the novelty?
Honestly, I think it’s mostly the novelty, but if it gets them to actually floss, I’m not complaining. My kid will only use the dinosaur ones and yeah, they’re a bit pricier than plain floss picks, but I just buy the store brand when it’s on sale. I do worry sometimes if they clean as well, but dentist said as long as they’re getting in there, it’s fine. The “floss my teeth first” trick totally works here too—she thinks it’s hilarious and then doesn’t freak out as much.
dentist said as long as they’re getting in there, it’s fine.
That’s what mine said too. I used to stress about whether my son was actually getting all the gunk out, especially with those chunky dinosaur picks, but honestly, he’s way more willing to floss with them. The novelty definitely helps. We also do a “flossing song” (don’t ask, it’s ridiculous), and it distracts him enough to get the job done. I figure whatever works, right?
