Having trouble brushing my 21month old sons teeth?

I have tried a few things but nothing seems to work. My son gets so distracted in the bathroom that he gratutiously at best brushes his teeth and will not allow me to follow up after he is done brushing. Any suggestions?

Having trouble brushing my 21month old sons teeth?
Have you tried a battery operated toothbrush? Several years ago my grandkids all got them for Xmas. They all immediately stopped opening gifts and ran to brush their teeth.


Also, does he use a bench so that he's able to see himself in a mirror?


Good luck!
Reply:I'm sorry, but who's the boss in this relationship? This may seem like a minor thing, but he is definitely showing that he is controlling the situation and it's time that you put your foot down. Parents need to teach children at a young age with minor infractions like this in order to expect them to listen when they are older and the infractions are more serious. You need to explain why you must brush his teeth and that if he does not allow you to brush his teeth, he will suffer some consequence such as loosing the use of his favorite toy for a day, not watching a favorite tv show, a time out or something along those lines. And you need to stick to it! Giving in won't accomplish anything either.
Reply:My son likes it when I brush with him. He copies what I do. He's recently started to be very interested in watching himself in the mirror. He doesn't always want me to follow up either, but I manage to about twice a day. I just act silly and he likes it. Maybe sing a silly song about brushing while you brush, he'll most likely want to join in the fun. It might be something you'll both wind up looking forward to. If you can't find anything positive to work, you may have to do a TO and force him, but try the fun approach first. Good luck!





Oh the battery toothbrush is a good idea, but my son was 2 in May and the dentist said to only use it for the times I brush. Maybe a favorite character toothbrush would be a good way to start and as he becomes more cooperative with you go for the battery one. My son really does love his. He laughs and giggles when I bring it out.



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