How do you get your kids to actually brush their teeth?

- Sticker charts work better at our house too - less drama than the iPad routine.
- We keep a backup stash of fun toothbrushes so there’s always a “new” one when motivation dips.
- I’ve just accepted toothpaste art on the mirror as part of the process... at least they’re brushing, right?
- Some nights are chaos, but if they’re getting most brushes in, that’s good enough for me.

- Love the idea of backup toothbrushes - smart way to keep things fresh.
- We’ve tried sticker charts too, and honestly, they’re way less hassle than tech rewards. My kids get sidetracked on the iPad and forget why they got it in the first place.
- Toothpaste art... yeah, that’s just part of the territory. I figure as long as the bristles are hitting teeth, it counts.
- Some nights, it’s a total circus here too. If you’re hitting most of the brushes, you’re definitely winning.

Toothpaste art... yeah, that’s just part of the territory. I figure as long as the bristles are hitting teeth, it counts.

Toothpaste art is the true sign of a creative kid - or at least a distracted one. I still find mysterious splatters on the mirror. Has anyone tried singing while brushing? My niece will brush for the whole chorus of “Let It Go,” but if you cut her off early, all bets are off...

I’ve definitely witnessed the “toothpaste Jackson Pollock” phase - my nephew once managed to get blue stripes on the ceiling. Singing works, but I swear he brushes longer if we use a timer shaped like a dinosaur. Sometimes he’ll race it, sometimes he just stares at it, but hey, at least the brush stays in his mouth. I’ve tried stickers as rewards too, but honestly, half the time it’s about picking battles... as long as most of the teeth get hit, I call it a win.

That dinosaur timer sounds like a game-changer. Honestly, it’s impressive you’re trying different things - sometimes just getting the brush in their mouth is half the battle. I’ve seen so many parents stress over “perfect” brushing, but you’re right: if most teeth get some attention, it’s a win in my book too. The messes will clean up, but those habits stick around. You’re doing great.