I’m kind of relieved to see I’m not the only one who’s had mixed results with those brushing apps. My oldest was fascinated by the timers and animations at first, but after a week, he was just zoning out, staring at the screen, toothbrush hanging out of his mouth like a zombie. The actual brushing part became... optional, apparently. I tried switching to a “toothbrushing song,” but then he insisted on playing it three times in a row because “his teeth weren’t clean enough yet.” Not sure if that’s perfectionism or procrastination.
I do get the appeal of using tech, since it’s everywhere, but I’m starting to think it’s a bit counterproductive for younger kids. There’s something about holding a phone that just hijacks their attention. I read somewhere (don’t ask me where, probably a parenting blog at 2am) that kids under 5 process routines better when they’re physical and interactive, not screen-based. Makes sense, I guess—muscle memory over media.
Weirdly, what worked best for us was letting my son “teach” his stuffed animals how to brush. He’d demonstrate on them, then do his own teeth. Sometimes he’d even critique his own brushing technique like he was grading an exam. It took longer, but at least he was actually brushing for the full two minutes. Maybe it’s the novelty factor, or maybe he just likes being the boss.
It’s kind of trial and error, isn’t it? I keep hoping there’s a magic solution, but so far, it seems like whatever keeps their hands moving and mouths open (in the right way) is the real win. If anyone ever invents a toothbrush that plays music only when you’re actually brushing, not just holding it, I’d be first in line...
I get where you’re coming from about tech being a distraction, but I’ve actually seen some kids really benefit from those brushing apps—especially if they’re a bit older or already into games. Sometimes the novelty wears off fast, sure, but for certain kids, the feedback and little rewards can help build good habits. I do worry about screen time, though. Personally, I’ve had better luck with hands-on stuff too, like sticker charts or letting them pick their own toothbrush. It’s definitely not one-size-fits-all... every kid seems to need something different to stay motivated.
Sticker charts were a total game changer for us, too. I totally get where you’re coming from with the screen time thing—I tried a brushing app for my oldest, but honestly, it felt like one more thing to monitor. Letting them pick out their own toothbrush or toothpaste (even if it’s just from the dollar store) made a surprising difference, and it didn’t cost much. Every kid really does seem to need their own approach... sometimes you have to try a couple things before something sticks.
Letting them pick their own toothbrush made a difference for us too, weirdly enough. I’ve noticed my younger one actually gets excited about brushing if he’s got a “cool” brush. Do you ever find the novelty wears off after a while though?
Totally, the “cool” toothbrush trick works...until it doesn’t. My kid loved his dinosaur brush for about a week before he was over it and wanted a “robot” one. Now I just rotate brushes or slap a sticker on—anything for two minutes of peace.