Letting kids take the lead really does make a difference. My daughter went through a phase where she’d only brush if she could “help” me first—sometimes she just poked around, but it got her interested. And yeah, those silly YouTube brushing songs? Total game-changer for us too. I used to worry about screen time, but if it gets her excited about brushing, I’ll take it over a nightly battle. Some nights we barely get a decent brush in, but honestly, as long as it’s a mostly-consistent habit, I figure that’s a win.
Some nights we barely get a decent brush in, but honestly, as long as it’s a mostly-consistent habit, I figure that’s a win.
Totally agree—consistency matters way more than perfection. My kiddo loves picking out her toothbrush and toothpaste each night, which somehow makes her more willing to brush. We also do a “brush the stuffed animal’s teeth” routine first... gets her giggling and less resistant. I used to get stressed if we missed a spot, but I’ve learned to let that go.
We also do a “brush the stuffed animal’s teeth” routine first... gets her giggling and less resistant.
That’s interesting—using a stuffed animal as a demonstration tool hadn’t occurred to me. I’m curious if anyone’s noticed changes in their child’s technique or independence after doing these kinds of routines? I’ve read that modeling behavior can reinforce motor skills, but I wonder if it actually helps kids get more thorough with brushing or just makes them more willing to try. We’re still struggling with the “back teeth” area…
That stuffed animal trick actually brings back memories—I remember using it with my niece a couple years ago. She’d insist on brushing her dinosaur’s teeth first (who knew dinos had so many molars?), and it did seem to make her less squirmy about her own turn. But honestly, I noticed she was more enthusiastic than accurate at first… lots of “brushing” the front because that’s what she could see on the toy.
What made a difference for us was taking turns—she’d brush dino’s teeth, then I’d show her how to get the back ones by making dino do a big “aaaah.” That somehow clicked, and she started letting me help with her back teeth too. Not gonna pretend it was magic—there were still days when she’d clamp her mouth shut like a steel trap—but over time, she got more used to the idea.
I think modeling helps with willingness way before technique. Getting thorough takes a while… but hey, at least there were fewer tears (from both of us).
That’s a great point about modeling being more about willingness than technique at first. I see that all the time—kids are way more likely to open up (literally and figuratively) when they feel like it’s a game or when they’re in charge of something, even if it’s just brushing a toy’s teeth. I’ve noticed, though, some parents get hung up on “doing it right” from day one, and that can backfire. Did you ever feel like you had to just let go of the idea of a perfect brushing session and focus on making it a positive experience?
I’m curious—did you ever try letting your niece brush your teeth, or was it always the dinosaur? Sometimes flipping the roles gets them giggling and more relaxed about the whole thing. I’ve had kids in my chair who’ll only let me check their teeth after they’ve “examined” mine (with a mirror, not actual tools, thankfully).
About those clamped mouths—yeah, that’s so real. I wonder if there’s ever a day when every toddler just willingly opens wide for the full two minutes. I’ve seen some families use songs or timers, but honestly, sometimes you just have to accept that a quick swipe is better than nothing on those stubborn days.
One thing I’ve started recommending is letting kids pick their own toothbrushes or toothpaste flavors. It sounds minor, but having a say seems to give them some ownership. Have you noticed any difference with that? Or does it just end in arguments over which cartoon character wins?
It’s funny how much of this is about patience and picking your battles. Technique comes later—first you just have to survive the nightly routine without both parties melting down...
