I totally get the idea of making it a game—props if that works for your crew. But honestly, I tried that “let’s clean up together” thing with my niece and nephew, and it just turned into them arguing over who made the bigger mess. Not sure if it’s just their age or what, but it was more stress than fun.
Honestly, what’s worked better for me is tech—like those electric toothbrushes with built-in timers and little lights. There’s even an app that shows a cartoon mouth and tracks their brushing in real time. Sounds overkill, but it gets them to focus on actually brushing instead of messing around with the tablets or fighting about cleanup. Plus, less mess overall since they’re not spitting out weird colors everywhere.
Not saying it’s perfect—sometimes they still go rogue—but I’ll take less cleanup any day. The novelty hasn’t worn off yet, so fingers crossed...
Those toothbrushes with the lights and timers are genius, but my wallet cries a little every time I look at the price tag. I did cave and get one for my youngest when he started treating brushing like a competitive sport (and not in a good way). The app thing is hilarious—he legit tries to “beat” the cartoon mouth. Still, sometimes he just wants to chew on the brush or wander off mid-brush. Not perfect, but hey, at least there’s less toothpaste on the mirror these days... small wins, right?
Still, sometimes he just wants to chew on the brush or wander off mid-brush. Not perfect, but hey, at least there’s less toothpaste on the mirror these days... small wins, right?
Honestly, I feel this! But I gotta say, my kids turned brushing into a game with a regular ol’ sand timer and some goofy songs—no fancy lights or apps required. The mirror still gets a Jackson Pollock treatment now and then, but the wallet pain is less. Sometimes the low-tech stuff works (well, sorta).
the mirror still gets a Jackson Pollock treatment now and then
Haha, same here—how does toothpaste end up on the ceiling? I tried the sand timer thing too, but mine just started flipping it over and over instead of brushing. Anyone else’s kids obsessed with timers for literally everything except what you want?
mine just started flipping it over and over instead of brushing
That’s exactly what happened at my house—timers became this weird toy, not a tool. I even tried letting them pick their own toothbrushes, but apparently the “cool” ones are for chewing, not brushing? Anyone else’s kids get more interested in the sink than their actual teeth?