'"My child is Mr. Independent and wants to do it himself, he throws a huge fit if I try to help!"
Typically, a child is not ready to brush on their own until he or she can tie their own shoes. Until then, they don't have the dexterity to brush properly without your help. Our team knows how difficult it can be to get a child to brush, brush well, and brush often. Be patient, and remember that you are setting them up for a lifetime of good oral health. Is it worth the battle? Yes!
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
First, remember that brushing your child's teeth does not hurt him or her, and not brushing will only cause more pain in the future. Try to think about toothbrushing the way you think about other things that have to be done, whether a child likes it or not. For example, some children kick and scream when they have to be buckled in a car seat, or hold hands when crossing the street, but we do it anyway because it's for their safety and well-being. Toothbrushing is something that must be done, without negotiation, for the well-being of your child.
Second, we know that when given a choice, children feel more in control of their situation and are more likely to do what is asked of them. For example, you can say "Mom is going to help you brush, would you like me to brush your top teeth or bottom teeth first?" or you can say, "It's time to brush your teeth, would you like to brush in your bathroom or mine?" Allow your child to choose the song you listen to while brushing or give them the option to read an extra book if brush time goes smoothly. This will take time and practice, but soon will become second nature. When the option to say "no" is not there, kids will often be willing to do just what we are asking.
It is perfectly okay to force the toothbrushing routine with a child. Doing this consistently will teach a child that mom or dad make the rules, and that they are still okay after the brushing is over. Using lots of praise during the brushing, and giving a big hug and kiss after will reassure your child that you love and care for them, even when they are mad.
Typically, a child is not ready to brush on their own until he or she can tie their own shoes. Until then, they don't have the dexterity to brush properly without your help. Our team knows how difficult it can be to get a child to brush, brush well, and brush often. Be patient, and remember that you are setting them up for a lifetime of good oral health. Is it worth the battle? Yes!
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
First, remember that brushing your child's teeth does not hurt him or her, and not brushing will only cause more pain in the future. Try to think about toothbrushing the way you think about other things that have to be done, whether a child likes it or not. For example, some children kick and scream when they have to be buckled in a car seat, or hold hands when crossing the street, but we do it anyway because it's for their safety and well-being. Toothbrushing is something that must be done, without negotiation, for the well-being of your child.
Second, we know that when given a choice, children feel more in control of their situation and are more likely to do what is asked of them. For example, you can say "Mom is going to help you brush, would you like me to brush your top teeth or bottom teeth first?" or you can say, "It's time to brush your teeth, would you like to brush in your bathroom or mine?" Allow your child to choose the song you listen to while brushing or give them the option to read an extra book if brush time goes smoothly. This will take time and practice, but soon will become second nature. When the option to say "no" is not there, kids will often be willing to do just what we are asking.
It is perfectly okay to force the toothbrushing routine with a child. Doing this consistently will teach a child that mom or dad make the rules, and that they are still okay after the brushing is over. Using lots of praise during the brushing, and giving a big hug and kiss after will reassure your child that you love and care for them, even when they are mad.
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