I almost have to litterally spank my kids to get them to brush their teeth. Why they hate to do it so bad I don't know. Do you have any creative ideas on how to get them interested and to be more responsible with brushing their teeth? Thanks!
2007-03-19 02:28:36 · 36 answers · asked by sweetme35 5 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Parenting
We have a reward chart. We call it a Good Choice chart. When the kids do something that is positive (or hard to get them to do!) they get a point on it. It becomes a fun game for them. We also establish how many points for certain rewards. For example - they have a good choice box filled with items from a dollar store. They have to get 7 points for an item! (and it only costs a dollar!) They also have coupons that they made up for a get out of a nap free card, go and get a happy meal, have a lunchables for lunch, etc. I always make a big fuss over them too when they do so something that they don't want to do and tell them what a big kid they are. They love it! It makes them feel good and it makes you feel good! Tell them how proud of them you would be and what a wonderful feeling it is to have good clean teeth. Then inspect the teeth after they brushed (making a game of it) and make a big fuss! :) They will be lining up to brush their teeth extra times a day to get that good attention and fussing over from you. It will be lots of fun for you and them!
GOOD LUCK! :)
2007-03-19 02:37:57 · answer #1 · answered by yuppiemommy 1 · 3⤊ 0⤋
There is a couple of things that I use for my two kids. One there is a lot of different themed tooth brushes out there now a days, find one that your kids are interested in. Also, many different flavors of toothpaste. The times of the days for them to do it, after the shower and before bedtime (examples). Then stick to those times for teeth brushing. Brush your teeth with your kids, they learn by watching us. If none of these work and they still continue to hate it so much. I would have a Dentist check them out, maybe there is some pain in their mouth that is causing some discomfort.
2007-03-19 02:58:42 · answer #2 · answered by witraveler 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They are probably associating getting spanked to brushing their teeth. Of course they are going to hate it! There are a lot of other great suggestions like different flavored toothpaste, vibrating brush, etc. Try making it a game and I'm sure they will change the way they feel about it.
2007-03-19 03:36:27 · answer #3 · answered by 10 pts for me? 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Lots of little kids hate brushing their teeth,l I don't know why.
The key is to make it fun. There are toothbrushes that make music when you brush. My daughter gets stickers everytime she brushes. For an added incentive, tell them they can have a treat if they earn so many stickers. Maybe you can have a game to see who can brush their teeth the longest. They have that mouthwash now for kids that clings to plaque on the teeth. Try having them all use it and see who can do the best job of cleaning their teeth. Good luck
2007-03-19 02:35:32 · answer #4 · answered by Sharon M 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
They're associating some very bad feelings with brushing their teeth. Never spank kids if you want them to like doing something, because they wont. You want to raise them to WANT to do something, not to do it out of fear and with the utmost reluctance. Make brushing time a positive time. If you're not stressed about it and buy fun toothbrushes and toothpastes and keep a happy tone, they'll do it and enjoy doing it. Make sure you let them do it first, then tell them that you want to "check" how they've done it. When you're "checking" you'll actually be re brushing it, but you want to say good job as you're checking. This will make them want to brush evry night.
2007-03-19 03:52:08 · answer #5 · answered by TJTB 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
First of all... you must have a regular routine yourself! No child will do something that they don't see mom and dad doing.
Second... have THEM pick out their own toothbrush AND toothpaste. I was in WalMart the other day and was amazed at the choices now a days.
Third... and lastly... Don't pressure them. The best way to get your child to rebel is to nag. Be direct and simple as to the consequences for NOT brushing. If your child enjoys playing video games... "Johnie... if you do not brush your teeth tonight before bed, you will not play video games at all tomorrow." This being said in a loving, yet firm manner. Then, probably the most important part, STICK TO IT AND DO NOT GIVE IN. It will not hurt them, until you give in. Then the damage is very hard to recover from.
2007-03-19 03:39:57 · answer #6 · answered by krspkrm1 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The only thing I can think of is repeat repeat repeat - the command to brush your teeth. You can't sit down to eat unless you brush your teeth first. You have to link it to something and dinner is the only thing that comes to mind for me. Yes, the timing is crap - who brushes their teeth before dinner? But at least the teeth get brushed.
The reason I say this is because I had to always tell my kids to wash their hands before dinner. I repeated it so much - never failing once! - that they just automatically went to the sink before they could even think about sitting down at the table. That worked and it was a small thing.
They wanted to eat dinner!
The problem with teeth brushing is that the time you are putting on all the pressure is in the morning , when everyone's tired and trying to get going and do things in a short amount of time. And at night, when everyone's tired too, more likely to be cranky and rebellious.
Those are really bad times to be trying to instill a habit. And what is the reward?
If you get your kids to brush before they sit down for a meal, you know they brushed their teeth at least once that day.
After the meal, they just want to run off and do other things.
Here's the good news: by the time they are teenagers, they are so hygiene conscious because they are adolescents and want to look good and smell sweet, that you probably won't have to ever mention it. But get the habit started early so they know it's a daily must-do.
2007-03-19 02:38:15 · answer #7 · answered by kathyw 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Make it an activity for them. Maybe you could brush your teeth with them and if they are still small brush it for them initially. You could try using kids toothpaste which come in different flavours. You get nice kids toothbrushes too. You could ask your dentist for stickers/posters which you can paste in your bathroom. You could get them to help you make a lovely chart on healthy habits and put a little star against each habit on a daily basis. Reward them at the end of the week. I hope it helps. Good luck
2007-03-20 04:56:11 · answer #8 · answered by AngelEyes 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Buy them special types of toothpaste that won't burn their mouths and that they act is a start. ALso, buy them their own special toothbrush that you know will be gentle on their teeth and gums and then show them how fun it could be to brush your teeth. They will want ot brush their teeth day and night after you do these two steps.
2007-03-19 04:54:38 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had that same problem when my daughter was a child.
I got her to do it practicing something very boring for me and her mother to do every day, several times a day but, at leas successfully:
We sat all of us three in the bathroom and made a game which consisted in who had been that good to hold on brushing his teeth without breathing and as long as possible. It foresaw three rounds, and ... she had to win ...
Now, the Heaven might be blessed for that, she doesn't need me to do it: her boyfriend is a "reasonable reason" ...
Good luck ...
.
2007-03-20 02:01:38 · answer #10 · answered by Lukas 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋