How to Help Your Children Develop Brushing Habits.
One of the toughest battles that parents face is teaching their young children to brush their teeth. When you teach your toddler how to brush his teeth, you’re teaching him how to be responsible for the care of his body, an important life skill.
Here are some tips to help make this morning and nightly chore fun and end without frustration:
Monkey see, monkey do: Your child may enjoy copying what you’re doing, so bring your child into the bathroom as you brush your teeth. Show how enthusiastic you are to brush your teeth. This will hopefully encourage him to be like mommy or daddy and follow along with his own toothbrush and paste.
Make it fun. Let your toddler brush his favorite stuffed animal’s teeth. Demonstrate how much fun toothbrushes can be.
Explain why brushing is important. When you and your child are playing with a toothbrush, explain why brushing your teeth is so important in terminology that he will understand. Talk about the germs and sticky stuff that need to be removed from his teeth. If you have a tooth filling, explain why it is there. There are several great children’s books about the importance of caring for your teeth.
As a last resort, use a team approach. For the super resistant toddler, you’ll need a partner. Have your child lie down on your lap while your partner holds your child’s arms and legs and helps supports his body while you gently brush your child’s teeth. When you are above him, you have a better view and access of his teeth. Hopefully by being consistent, your child will learn that brushing his teeth is part of his daily routine.
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