Monday, July 30, 2012
The Toothbrush Battle
Posted by: Sharmila Rajah, 30-Jul-2012
This is one battle that I seem to be losing. I simply cannot get Shamindra to open his mouth to brush his teeth. He says ‘done’ even before I can get the toothbrush in.
I try to distract him and while he’s playing with something else, I go in for the ‘clean-up’. It’s no easy task mind you. We’ve tried singing songs, making funny faces but nothing really works.
We allow him to brush, which he sometimes does. Shamindra simply does not like the idea of opening his mouth. We praise him and encourage him when he does, which is very rare.
Any suggestions how we could move closer to winning this battle?
What are your practical tips and tried-and-tested methods?
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How old is Shamindra? Try this: when you brush your teeth just let him stand next to you and watch and talk to him. Tell him to get nice shiny white teeth you need to brush or else they will go black and dirty. Another trick: In the morning everyone's mouth stinks before brushing. Once you have brushed your teeth let him smell your breath. and do the same for him before his brushing and tell him how bad smelly it is and that after brushing the smell is lovely.
Or else, next time at the shop let him select a brush of his choice and select a flavor of paste he likes. This may help.
All the best but keep thinking of newer ideas. If nothing works, show angry face that you wont talk, smile, hug or kiss him till he brushes his teeth. Be patient and hold on to your stand for as long as he agrees to it. once he does agree, shower him with your affection.