Wednesday, August 29, 2007

WFMW-toddler brushing teeth


I don't remember if I did this with all my kids. Somewhere in the back of my mind I think I did. My fourth child is 3 and I'm trying to instill the joy and necessity of brushing teeth for 2 minutes. To accomplish this I make up songs and sing them for two minutes - 30 seconds for bottom left, 30 seconds for bottom right, 30 seconds for top left, 30 seconds for top right and a little extra for the front.

One song is about my son:
L...D...Moody, you are such a cutey
L...D...Moody, you are such a cutey
L...D...Moody, cutey, patootey!
Brush, brush, brush your teeth (repeat 3 times)
L...D...Moody!

He's really into Star Wars and Spiderman so I hum Star Wars and sing Spiderman too. I try to time my singing - get into my recording studio and make sure each song is around 2 minutes. (joke)

When it's time to brush, he makes his request and we're off. No tantrums. Just music. Works for me.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Does Opa have to start practicing??? Hummmm??

Sarah @ Ordinary Days said...

I sing the ABC's while I brush my boys teeth. And if that doesn't work, I'll make up cute songs too.
Thanks for stopping by on my blogiversary!

SAHMmy Says said...

Great idea! I bought one of those Firefly toothbrushes that blinks for one minute (you push it once for uppers, one for lowers.) I also list all the things he ate that day that I "see" and have to scrub away as we brush. That, and the threat that if his teeth don't get brushed, they'll fall out and he won't be able to chew candy has worked lately. Your way is much sweeter! :)