Battery issues are the worst though... half the time I’m not sure if it’s the brush or just stubbornness.
That made me laugh—so true. We went through a phase where my daughter would only use the unicorn brush, but once the glitter started wearing off, it was “too scratchy” (even though it wasn’t). She’s not into the electric ones either, says they’re “too noisy.” Letting her pick her own, even if it’s just plain purple, seems to be the only thing that keeps her interested. I guess sometimes it’s less about the brush and more about them feeling in control.
- My kid’s picky too—she hated the electric one, said it felt “weird” on her teeth.
- Manual brushes with favorite colors or characters seem to work better here.
- Not sure if it’s about the brush or just wanting to choose for herself... probably both.
- Battery problems drove me nuts anyway. Easier to stick with manual for now.
Manual brushes with favorite colors or characters seem to work better here.
That’s been our experience, too. My youngest flat-out refused the electric one after a week—said it “buzzed her brain,” which honestly cracked me up. She’s way more into brushing now that she picked out a rainbow unicorn brush. I do think the control thing matters at this age... but also, the battery dying right when you need it is just not worth the hassle for us. Manual’s less drama, at least for now.
She’s way more into brushing now that she picked out a rainbow unicorn brush. I do think the control thing matters at this age... but also, the battery dying right when you need it is just not worth the hassle for us. Manual’s less drama, at least for now.
That “buzzed her brain” line made me laugh—kids really do have a way with words. I can actually relate a bit, believe it or not. I tried one of those electric brushes myself (the fancy kind my grandkids use), and while it did a good job, the noise and vibration took some getting used to. Not quite “brain-buzzing,” but I get where she’s coming from.
The control thing is interesting. When mine were little (decades ago now), we only had manual brushes, but even then, getting them to brush was all about picking out the “right” one—usually something with a cartoon character or wild colors. It’s funny how much that still matters. My granddaughter has a sparkly pink brush and guards it like treasure.
I will say, I’ve come around to electric brushes for myself as an adult—arthritis makes the extra help nice—but I can see how for kids, especially the younger ones, it might just be too much. And don’t get me started on batteries dying at the worst moment... I lose enough patience with TV remotes.
Curious if anyone’s kids ever changed their mind? My oldest grandson hated electric at first, then switched over when he was about eight and hasn’t looked back. Maybe it’s just an age thing—or maybe some of us are just destined to be manual brush people for life.
Either way, as long as they’re brushing without a battle every night, that feels like a win to me.
It’s funny, my daughter was all about her “sparkle tiger” brush for months, and then one day decided the electric one was too noisy and went back to manual. We just let her pick each night now—sometimes she wants to feel “big” with the electric, sometimes not. Honestly, I think letting them have some choice really helps avoid those bedtime standoffs. As long as the teeth get clean, I’m happy.