by Adrianne from Oklahoma
My two-year-old daughter is at the age where she loves to assert her independence. We struggle with this when it comes time to brush her teeth. She really wants to do it all on her own, but I want to make sure her teeth are getting thoroughly cleaned. I’ve figured out a couple of strategies that help us reach a balance and we both get what we want.
First, I will let her brush her teeth all on her own. Then, I will tell her that it’s my turn. I will hold her toothbrush and make sure she has reached all the way to the back and brushed well. If she is still hesitant to let me help, we will pretend there is a unicorn hiding in her teeth that I need to “chase out” with her toothbrush. I pretend to search around her mouth while I brush her teeth and I narrate what I’m doing. The unicorn always ends on her tongue, and she chases it away with her toothbrush as the very last step.
Her four-year-old brother enjoys cheering her on and pretends to search for the hidden unicorn with me. Using these strategies has made it much easier to ensure her teeth are taken care of and her mouth stays healthy!
This blog was written by one of our guest bloggers, Adrianne.
About Adrianne
Adrianne lives in Oklahoma with her husband and two kids. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Health & Exercise Science and works as a tutor at an alternative high school. In her free time, she enjoys cooking and crafting with her kids.
Want more information on brushing your child's teeth? wichealth.org has a free online lesson called Two Minutes Twice A Day For A Healthy Smile. Find it on wichealth.org in the Children 1-5 category!
