timers became this weird toy, not a tool
That’s so relatable, it’s almost funny—my youngest turned the timer into a “sand tornado” game. I get it, the novelty of the sink is way more exciting than dental hygiene. I will say, though, sometimes making brushing a team thing (like, “let’s see who makes the best bubbles”) gets them to focus at least for a minute or two. It’s not perfect, but it’s better than chasing them around with a toothbrush.
sometimes making brushing a team thing (like, “let’s see who makes the best bubbles”) gets them to focus at least for a minute or two.
Totally get this. I tried the “bubble contest” thing too, and honestly, it worked for like a week before my kid just started spitting water everywhere instead of actually brushing. It’s wild how fast they figure out ways to turn anything into a game that’s not about teeth. I’ve had to switch it up constantly—sometimes it’s a race, sometimes it’s a silly song, sometimes I just give up and let him brush his stuffed animal’s “teeth” first. Not gonna lie, some nights it’s just a win if the toothbrush even touches his mouth.
You’re definitely not alone. The novelty wears off so quick, but hey, if you’re getting a minute or two, that’s a solid start. It’s all about picking your battles, right?
Not gonna lie, some nights it’s just a win if the toothbrush even touches his mouth.
Yep, that’s basically my life too. I started using a cheap kitchen timer—told my twins they had to brush until it beeped. Worked for a bit, then they’d just stare at it and wait. Honestly, I’ve learned to celebrate any progress, even if it’s just a few seconds of actual brushing. Those novelty tricks really do have an expiration date.
Honestly, I’ve learned to celebrate any progress, even if it’s just a few seconds of actual brushing. Those novelty tricks really do have an expiration date.
I relate to this so much—every time I think we’ve finally cracked the code, my youngest switches it up and suddenly nothing works again. I tried the timer thing too, but after a while he’d just sit there, holding the brush in his mouth, waiting for the beep. Not ideal.
What’s helped us (at least for now) is breaking the process down into tiny steps and making it a checklist. First: pick out your toothbrush. Second: put toothpaste on. Third: actually brush—front teeth first, then sides, then back. We made it into a silly chant. It sounds tedious, but having that routine seems to give him a sense of control.
I also started letting him “inspect” my teeth after I brush—he gets to play dentist and tell me if I missed a spot. Sometimes he takes it seriously enough that he wants me to check his in return... which means at least he’s opening his mouth long enough for me to have a shot at cleaning up.
It’s not foolproof, but honestly, like you said—any progress counts.
- 100% agree on the checklist approach. Anything that makes it less of a battle is a win.
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—yep, been there. My oldest mastered the art of “brushing” without actually moving the brush at all. Impressive, honestly.“after a while he’d just sit there, holding the brush in his mouth, waiting for the beep.”
- We tried sticker charts for a while. Worked for about a week, then she started negotiating for two stickers per brush. Nice try, kid.
- Letting them “inspect” your teeth is genius. I’ve found that if I let mine brush my teeth (with a clean brush), she’s way more willing to let me do hers after. Something about turning the tables makes it less of a chore and more of a game.
- Not gonna lie, some nights it’s just a quick swipe and we call it good. I figure as long as we’re mostly consistent, they’ll get there eventually.
Progress over perfection...and sometimes you just have to laugh at how creative they get with avoiding it.