Tooth brushing experience with my toddler

Tooth brushing my 2 years old son has been a struggle recently. He shows a lot of interest to be independent when brushing his teeth. If I want to help him, he would refuse, grab his tooth brush and say: ME, ME, ME.

Then I normally let him brush his teeth. While he brushes, I play some funny kids tooth brushing videos in YouTube so he would mimic the funny characters brushing their teeth. Another helpful tip is me brushing my teeth in front of him slowly and gently.

But still after he finishes brushing his teeth, I would still take back his tooth brush and brush his teeth. While I do that, he would continue resist, clench his jaws and teeth and doesn’t let me brush the inside parts of his teeth.

It is interesting to see his increasing interest to do things by himself. But it is a struggle also when I help him and he resists so loudly.

The idea that assisted me a lot in such scenarios is to turn this act into a funny, playful and learning experience for both myself and him. While brushing our teeth, we get to brush eachother’s teeth or brush his toys’ teeth. Also we turn the tooth brushing experience into a bonding time where we brush, spit the water out, play and splash eachother with water.

By doing that, it makes the experience a bit lighter and reduces the pain and the struggle. Also it makes it less serious and more playful and fun. I wish for every parent to utilize such moments with their children and get the most fun, play, laughter and joy out of them.