Brushing Can be Fun

"Oh, I'm brushing my teeth on topIt’s so much fun I hate to stopWhen I'm brushing my teeth and having so much funI never let the water run...Oh I'm brushing my teeth in the backGotta get ride of all the plaqueWhen I'm brushing my teeth and having so much funI never let the water run...."I have so many memories of singing this song with my two boys. I would dress them in their jammies, set them onto the bathroom sink so I could look them in the eye (and look into their mouths, and way into the back teeth!) then we would sing together with all the energy we could muster while they brush, brush, brush! Come to think of it, I was the super energetic one, really, while they looked at me in awe and proceeded with the task at hand. So yes, mom may have looked silly, but what matters is the mission was accomplished!With Reese, I've tried another technique. During times when she's engrossed at play and I find difficulty getting her to go to the bathroom to brush, I entice her to go by inviting her to “tango dance” with me, all the way...to the bathroom. Tah-nant...tah-nant..tanan-tan-tant...And that's what we mothers have to do sometimes, just to get our jobs done. It's hard sometimes, especially after you've had a long day at work, or if you're just having a day when patience is wearing thin. But i find that when you mix in some silly-ness and song, everything becomes more fun, not only for the kids but for us moms as well.So it is great to find this new brushing song by Pepsodent- something to add to my toothbrushing repertoire!The song is part of a whole "Brushing Adventure" campaign that not only makes brushing fun and also empowers moms to make it fun for the kids! Now THAT is an adventure indeed!Pepsodent came up with these sticker books to serve as a visual incentive for the kids after they brush!Kids love rewards in whatever shape or form, and stickers are a fun tool to remind the kids to brush day and night.And here's an interesting fact for you: Did you know that brushing day and night with a fluoride toothpaste can cut tooth decay by up to 50% for children, compared with just brushing once?Here are my own simple tips and tricks for making toothbrushing more fun and less of a chore for us and the kids:1) For toddlers and young kids, put them at eye level whether sitting them on the sink (make sure they are secure!) or on a step stool- the ones with rubber footings are safe and skid free!2) Make brushing fun and even can be a bonding activity through song, dance, fun trivia games (try asking who are their favorite cartoon characters who have teeth! Elmo sure isn't one of them!)3) For older kids, you an actually already go the "scientific" route: talk to them about cavities (who look like icky monsters inside your mouth) and how cavities can make your teeth rot and even hurt!4) Get them a fun toothbrush and fun cup to use. Remember also that for young kids you don't need much toothpaste. Just a pea-size portion is good enough.My toothbrush, not the kids. But soon I'll get them their own Sonicare toothbrushes too. 5) Timing is also important. Have them brush their teeth when they are still in a good mood, if you catch them when tired and sleepy, everything becomes more of a struggle. Even better is to make brushing part of their waking up and bedtime routine, it becomes automatic for them to grab their brush right after say, getting dressed in the morning. No free entertainment needed from mom, heehee. :)To know more about Pepsodent's Brushing Adventure Campaign visit their page on Facebook. You also get free downloadables and even more brushing tips and tricks. Here's the link:https://apps.facebook.com/brushingadventure