He is five years old and he is learning alot of things. Sometimes I take awhile to realize, that something I'm doing for him, he should be practicing on his own so he can get more independence. But I'm learning to share and let go just as he is :)
He is learning to brush properly. I am very insistent about my children learning how to take care of their teeth. We must brush twice a day unless we just can't help it.
So our arrangement has been for him to brush in the mornings. Less gunk I think and good practice for him. And I will brush his teeth before his bedtime at night. This way I get all the plaque and stuff that sits there as he eats throughout the day.
It's working out well. He loves to do it and there are no war of wills. Maybe it's the fact that he is able to light up his toothbrush! I'm thinking of getting him one of those battery operated ones sometime.
We've been doing this arrangement for awhile now and soon he'll be able to do it on his own.
The next phase is to teach him how to use the mouth rinse. I'm not sure he is ready as yet. He keeps asking me. We'll see.
I can't chance him swallowing.
And then soon we'll visit the dentist.
I've already discussed and research the fact that he'll lose his teeth soon and get permanent ones. I think he understands. He'll be more fascinated when they begin coming out.
I want him to learn about all the changes that will be happening to his body as he grows up. Nothing should be off limits to discuss.
I'm not sure though how to deal with the toothfairy. I didn't grow up with this sort of thing and so I find it to be just a story but you know how kids get. So I'm questioning myself. Should I give him fairy money? Or should I gloss over it and just celebrate him changing? Or....
But for now we have an understanding :)
How does your family handle teeth brushing with your kids?
About the author: Owner of JamericanSpice. Sharing my journey in the present, from the past or thoughts for my future. Mom of two who loves to travel and read and decipher people.
Totally agree Callie...your system is a good one. It will make him feel empowered, and yet you will still be on top of it. Kudos.
ReplyDeleteI love what you are doing with your son! We have our kids brush their teeth at night before bed, but we probably should have them brush in the morning too. Your compromise sounds like a great idea!
ReplyDeleteI am at about the same stage as you with my 6yo daughter...and I brush her teeth at night, she in the morning. I find you and I think alike often!
ReplyDeleteAs for the tooth fairy...I've shared the truth with my children. Have also done this with Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny but we go through the motions regardless. It keeps it fun, yet honest.
This is a great post..my guy is 4 and loves to 'do his own' teeth..but I know it's not sufficient..so I then have to fight to go back over them..I might have to try your method! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteMy son love to brush his teeth everyday and he is 4 yrs. old...Thanks for the visit...
ReplyDeleteWe decided the tooth fairy was a bit much so instead we gave the kids money our selves to celebrate the loss of a tooth!
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Right now at 22 months, he will let his Father brush his teeth with minimal fuss, but if Mommy tries...it's a different story. No idea why *Sigh*
ReplyDeleteYou are teaching him great habits!!!
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ReplyDeleteWhat a good parent & so wise!!!! I'm still trying hard not to do for my youngest son, that he can do for himself & he MUCH older than your son! :-)
ReplyDeleteOur 'issue' recently is my not helping him with homework.. that he doesn't need my help with. Sometimes he just doesn't want to 'think' for himself.. because he says my answers come faster. Oh my... what have I done?!
Your son is very lucky to have such a smart mom, Colette!! :-)
Hugs,
Coreen xoxoxo
We did the same thing as you as far as brushing goes and our dentist encouraged us to continue as long as they would let us. We started taking ours to the dentist at 3. And the tooth fairy brought "gems" (polished stones) instead of money!
ReplyDelete#3 had his very first cleaning on his birthday last week. He did such a good job. Just sat in the chair and followed directions. I didn't even stay with him the whole time because #2 was having a freak out session in the adjoining room!
ReplyDeleteI think what you're doing sounds good! Mine are too little for mouth rinse, so we just brush right now. They both enjoy it too, so it isn't a battle. I let them brush and then I "go back over" everything.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great idea. Thank you for sharing. I wish to use your system for my kids, we are at that stage too with my 1st child - making him brush his teeth is always ... interesting!
ReplyDeleteWith my 3-year old, she does it herself and I do a once-over. This way, she gets to "practice" and I still get to clean her teeth properly.
ReplyDeleteThat's a very good idea, a great compromise,
ReplyDeleteHave a nice day!
I agree with your system of teeth cleaning.
ReplyDeleteWe did leave money under their pillow.
But they never really believed in the tooth fairy.
We taught them there is no Santa, Easter bunny or tooth fairy.
But they liked pretending.
I always try to make it a habit, and that means I have to put her dad in one to. This took a while to train them both. Yup.
ReplyDelete