Trying to brush an unwilling child’s teeth is like trying to wrestle a gator with clinched jaws. And you better watch out — they can (and do) bite.
After a lecture from the dentist about how we really need to be making the boys brush their teeth twice a day, I began to get worried.
How was I going to get this done?
The boys no longer do things just because I say they should. They question everything and anything you tell them to do. They must ask the whys, and the what ifs.
But why must we brush our teeth? What happens if you don’t eat your vegetables? Why do I have to wash my hands again after I use the bathroom?
They certainly keep me on my toes with so many questions. I now have to play out the “what happens if we don’t do this” scenarios for them. I appreciate their inquisitive minds, but it’s exhausting.
And for some reason, they don’t always believe the answers I give them. (Because you know, I’m so often trying to lead them astray.)
As visions of me wrestling the boys to the ground — and sitting on them to brush their teeth — ran through my head, I consulted my husband for advice.
He simply suggested we should take the approach of explaining the real-world consequences that will result if you continue not to brush your teeth properly. Yes, I have already done that.
But he took this to the next level, and Googled images of children with rotted-out teeth and showed the pictures to the boys. For some reason, pictures really bring things to reality more than words.
And you know, it worked. You have never seen two kids rush to a toothbrush with such vigor. “Hurry mommy, hurry. Get up, before my teeth rot out!”
I laughed at this; but, taking into consideration the amount of candy our kids have eaten (and probably will eat right up until Christmas), that’s about right.
Now if I can just keep this up, and get them enthusiastically on board with other tasks they would rather do without; like washing hands, the actual getting clean part of taking a bath, and how to “enjoy the go” with Charmin.
Yes, it seems visual aids might do the trick … at least with some things.
But there are those consequences that just must be learned the old-fashioned way too. Like the other day my boys rushed up to brush their teeth, and then got dressed all by themselves. My youngest came down (it was a rather cool day outside) in a sleeveless sweater vest (no shirt underneath) and shorts. He was so proud of himself too.
“Is that what you want to wear?” I asked. “You might be a little cold today.”
“Yes, of course this is what I want!” It was evident he was pleased with his work. A dapper dude, for sure.
I realized, life is about choices, and you have to pick your battles. He’s a big boy, and if he gets cold, he can always layer up.
There comes a point when kids have to do things on their own. You obviously have the ability to influence them, but ultimately, you can’t brush their teeth for them forever. Or they will then leave the nest lacking vital skills, and be calling home when they are sitting on the toilet, yelling that they are through. (And I’m thinking they might get some flak for that in college.)
Through this, I’ve witnessed how at every stage, children truly have the ability to challenge you like never before. They test your heart, your mind and your patience.
After my boys took a bath the other evening, I said, “Tooth check! Did you brush your teeth? Let me see those award-winning smiles.”
My youngest responded with a big grin, “Yes, I brushed my teeth. (Obviously) I don’t want them to rot out. But I’m not wearing jamies. No jamies for me anymore. I’m just wearing underwear to bed. Like daddy.”
I sighed and said, “Sure. As long as they’re clean.”
