Creative ideas with bite
If there's one topic parents really struggle with, it's toothbrushing. Every family goes through phases when the little ones are anything but enthusiastic when it's time to go to the bathroom. For parents it's particularly important to make toothbrushing a bright, positive experience. That way children are motivated early on to care for their own teeth consistently. Different methods and little tricks can help.
Creative ideas
Who can stand on one leg while toothbrushing?
Brushing each other's teeth adds variety and fun.
Who can sing a fun toothbrushing song?
Those who get read to while brushing are surprised how quickly two minutes can pass.
A reward system significantly boosts children's motivation.
A change of scene brings variety: how about brushing teeth in the garden? From „Kommissar Maus löst jeden Fall – Die Karies-Bande schlägt zu“ by author Sibylle Rieckhoff and illustrator Valeska Scholz
Book fun for showing off teeth
Children look to their parents for guidance. That's why it can help if teeth and proper dental care are often talked about within the family. You can do it with a wink: funny HABA children's books like „Ähne utzen“ bring lots of laughter. Kommissar Maus is also witty and cheeky. Kommissar Maus – the fearless detective goes up against the cavity gang right down to the gums!
Armed to the teeth with great accessories
Parents know the phenomenon: with great toys and colourful accessories unpopular tasks become child's play. It works best when children are allowed to choose for themselves and then proudly place their new toothbrushing cup or toothbrush holder in the bathroom. That way the daily cajoling about dental care disappears into thin air like tooth decay.
A different take on toothbrushing
Nine times out of ten we brush our teeth at the sink. Sometimes we even wander through the flat. How about combining toothbrushing with bath time in the bath? Big and small children love splashing around in the bath – and with inventive water toys time flies there. The two minutes for dental care hardly get noticed.
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Image credits
Father and son stand together in front of the mirror, brushing their teeth © sergiophoto - adobeStock