Easing your toddler’s fears
Posted by: allaboutbabyblog on: June 22, 2010
Toddlers and fear
It’s normal for your toddler to be fearful. After all, anxiety is a natural condition that helps us cope with new experiences and protects us from danger.
Some toddlers are frightened of very specific things: bugs, dogs, the dark, or loud noises, like the vacuum cleaner. Others are afraid of new situations or meeting new people. Most of your toddler’s fears will fade as she becomes more secure in herself and her environment.
What you can do to ease your toddler’s fears
The following strategies may help, but don’t expect your toddler to overcome her fears right away. It can take months — even up to a year — before a child gets over a fear. In the meantime, it’s normal for your toddler to obsess over the thing that frightens her by showing fascination with it, modeling it in play, drawing pictures of it, or talking about it incessantly. It’s her way of working through the issue.
Don’t make light of her fears. They may seem silly and irrational, but they’re very real and serious to her. Try not to smile or be dismissive when she reacts with fright to, say, a flushing toilet or a siren. Let her know you understand how it feels to be afraid of something. If you’re reassuring and comforting, she’ll learn that it’s okay to feel afraid and it’s best to deal with her fears.
Trying to convince your toddler that there isn’t any reason to be afraid will only backfire. You’ll probably just make her more upset if you say, “Don’t worry, there’s no reason to be afraid of the dog.” Instead, offer security and reassurance: “I understand that the dog frightens you. Let’s walk past him together. If you don’t want to do that, I’ll hold you while he walks past us.”
Use a “lovey.“ A so-called comfort object — a raggedy baby blanket, perhaps, or a well-worn teddy bear — can help some children with their fears. An object like this can offer an anxious child familiarity and reassurance, especially at times when you need to leave her, such as when you drop her off at daycare or tuck her in for the night.
A lovey can also make it easier for a child to do potentially scary things like meet new people, attend a play group, or visit the doctor. So allow your toddler to hold on to her special toy or blanket. She’s likely to stop carrying around that mangy-looking monkey by the time she turns 4. By then, she’ll have learned other ways to soothe herself when she’s frightened.
Explain, expose, and explore. A scared toddler can sometimes get over a fright if you provide a simple, rational explanation for what’s worrying her. You may put an end to her fear of being sucked down the drain along with the bathwater by saying, “Water and bubbles can go down the drain, but rubber duckies and children can’t.” Or explain that an ambulance has to make a really loud noise so that other cars know to get out of the way.
For some toddlers, a demonstration can be reassuring. Your child may be relieved to see that while a vacuum cleaner can suck up crumbs, sand, and dirt, it can’t inhale her toy train or Daddy’s toes. A walk at dusk can help make nighttime seem more magical than scary. Or if your toddler’s trembling at the thought of getting a hair cut, let the hairdresser snip a strand or two of your own hair to show that it doesn’t hurt.
If past experiences are fueling your child’s fears — previous vaccinations, for instance, making her panicky about a trip to the doctor’s office — don’t sugarcoat things. But don’t dwell on the bad stuff, either. Gently tell her that while the shot may sting at first, it’ll be over quickly, and that the two of you will do something fun afterward. The promise of a reward can help to distract her from the scary event.
You can help your child learn about frightening things from a safe distance, too. She may get over her fear of Halloween characters if she sees a picture book or video about good witches, kind ghosts, and friendly black cats. If she’s scared of animals, a trip to a petting zoo, where the creatures can be stroked and fed, may help.
Another way to reassure your toddler is to tell her an uplifting story about another child who does what he’s afraid to do and survives the experience unscathed. Make up something off the top of your head, or browse the library for books on the subject.
Problem-solve together. If your toddler’s afraid of the dark, get a nightlight for her room. Other tactics you can use to banish bedtime fears include a designated guard (a beloved stuffed animal), “monster spray” (water in a spray-bottle), or a magic phrase that wards off unwelcome visitors.
Through trial and error, you and your toddler will figure out together what helps to increase her sense of power and control over things that frighten her.
Practice through pretend play. If your child is terrified of the doctor, she may benefit from role-playing what happens at the doctor’s office (a toy doctor’s kit can help). Some toddlers feel more confident when they actually visit the doctor if they come with their kit in tow.
If your toddler shrinks at the sight of strangers, she may feel less frightened if she acts out such encounters using dolls or stuffed animals. If people in costumes scare her, dress up together to help ease her fears.
Don’t share your own fears. If your toddler sees you break out in a sweat because there’s a spider in the bedroom or cringe when you walk into the dentist’s office, then she’s likely to feel scared of these things, too. So try to work through your own anxieties or at least try to downplay them.
It’s okay, however, to confess that you didn’t like going to the dentist as a kid, but you went to keep your teeth healthy. It helps a child to know she’s not alone, and that you, too, learned to overcome something scary.
Source: http://www.babycenter.com/0_easing-your-toddlers-fears_1503644.bc
I’m embarrassed by my child’s public tantrums. What can I do?
Posted by: allaboutbabyblog on: May 26, 2010
The best thing you can do is stay calm. Unlike that kicking, screaming child in your shopping cart, you have the ability to control your emotions and restore the peace.
You can’t bring your toddler to his senses by raising your voice or making threats. Getting mad will only escalate his emotions. You don’t want to cave in, either. If your child is screaming because you passed up the candy aisle, don’t make a U-turn just to calm him down.
Instead, tell him firmly that he has to stop throwing a fit. If he keeps it up, it’s time to use your most potent weapon: the exit door. Even if you’re in the middle of a big shopping trip, you can always whisk your child out of the store. Children like to shop, and there’s a good chance he’ll calm down once he understands the consequences. If he continues throwing a fit, take him home, if possible. The shopping can probably wait.
Keep in mind that children are more likely to lose their tempers when they’re hungry or tired. If you’re about to embark on a marathon shopping trip, try to make sure your child is tanked up and well-rested. It’s also a good idea to establish the ground rules before you reach the store. If he’s likely to lobby for a new toy, you can explain ahead of time that you’re only there to buy groceries.
Frustration is also a big tantrum-producer. If you know your child is going to insist on visiting the pet store when you go to the mall, make sure you have time to do it or think twice about the trip. Thinking through his probable reactions, the consequences, and the alternatives isn’t really “giving in” to him, it’s being a wise parent.
Because he’s out of control, a tantrum can be scary for a child. Once it subsides, give your toddler hugs and reassurance. It’s fine to acknowledge his feelings. You might try to make leaving less painful by offering to read a favorite story when you get home.
Keep in mind that your child’s tantrum is nobody’s business but yours. Your toddler will have tantrums, and some of them are bound to happen in public. It doesn’t mean you’re a bad parent, only that you’re the parent of a toddler.
If you handle the situation with calm and grace, expect to see a lot of knowing glances and sympathetic smiles. Regardless of any looks you get, remember that your child doesn’t understand your embarrassment. Public tantrums aren’t meant to humiliate parents, so you should treat your child the same way as if the tantrum happened at home.
To tackle Tantrums see the article – Tantrums: Why they happen and what to do about them
Tantrums: Why they happen and what to do about them
Posted by: allaboutbabyblog on: May 26, 2010
Why 2-year-olds throw tantrums
A temper tantrum is the emotional equivalent of a summer storm — sudden and sometimes fierce, but often over as quickly as it starts. One minute you and your child are enjoying your dinner in a restaurant, the next she’s whimpering, whining, and then screaming to go home. Two-year-olds are especially prone to such episodes.
Though you may worry that you’re raising a tyrant, take heart — at this age, it’s unlikely that your child is throwing a fit to be manipulative. More likely, she’s having a meltdown in response to frustration. Often, your 2-year-old’s language skills — or lack thereof — are to blame. “Two-year-olds are beginning to understand more and more of the words they hear, yet their ability to articulate their feelings and needs is limited,” says Claire B. Kopp, professor of applied developmental psychology at California’s Claremont Graduate University. As a result, frustration builds when your child can’t express how she feels.
What to do when your 2-year-old pitches a fit
Don’t lose your cool. A tantrum isn’t a pretty sight. In addition to kicking, screaming, or pounding the floor, your child’s repertoire may include throwing things, hitting, and even holding her breath until she turns blue (don’t worry; she’ll eventually come up for air). When your child is swept up in a tantrum, she’s unable to listen to reason, though she will respond — negatively — to your yelling or threatening. “The more I shouted at Brandon to stop, the wilder he would get,” says one mother. What worked instead, she discovered, was to just sit down and be with him while he raged.
Stomping out of the room — tempting as that may be — can make your child feel abandoned. The storm of emotion she’s feeling can be frightening to her, and she needs to know you’re nearby. Rather than leave her thrashing on the floor, go to her. If she’s not flailing too much, pick her up and hold her. Chances are she’ll find your embrace comforting, and will calm down more quickly.
Remember that you’re the adult. No matter how long the tantrum goes on, don’t give in to unreasonable demands or negotiate with your screaming child. It’s especially tempting in public to cave in as a way of ending the episode. Try not to worry about what others think — anyone who’s a parent has been there before. By conceding, you’ll only be teaching your child that pitching a fit is the way to get what she wants, and setting the stage for future behavior problems. What’s more, a tantrum is frightening enough for your child without her feeling that you’re not in control, either.
If your 2-year-old’s outburst escalates to the point where she’s hitting people or pets, throwing things, or screaming nonstop, pick her up and carry her to a safe place, such as her bedroom, where she can’t harm herself. Tell her why she’s there (“because you hit your sister”), and let her know that you’ll stay with her until she calms down. If you’re in a public place — a common breeding ground for tantrums — be prepared to leave with your child until she gets a grip.
“My daughter had an absolute fit at a restaurant because the plain spaghetti she ordered arrived with chopped parsley on it,” another mother recalls. “Although I realized why she was upset, I wasn’t about to let her disrupt everyone’s dinner. I took her outside until she calmed down.”
Talk it over afterward. When the storm subsides, hold your child close and talk about what happened. Acknowledge her frustration, and help her put her feelings into words, saying something like, “You were very angry because your food wasn’t the way you wanted it,” Kopp suggests. Let her see that once she expresses herself in words, she’ll get better results. Say with a smile, “I’m sorry I didn’t understand you. Now that you’re not screaming, I can find out what you want.”
Try to head off tantrum-triggering situations. Pay attention to what pushes your child’s buttons and plan accordingly. If she falls apart when she’s hungry, carry snacks with you. If she has trouble making a transition from one activity to the next, give her a gentle heads-up before a change. Alerting her to the fact that you’re about to leave the playground or sit down to dinner (“We’re going to eat when you and Daddy are done with your story”) gives her a chance to adjust instead of react.
Your child is grappling with independence, so offer her choices when you can. No one likes being told what to do all the time. Saying, “Would you like corn or carrots?” rather than “Eat your corn!” will give her a sense of control. Monitor how often you’re saying no, too. If you find you’re rattling it off routinely, you’re probably putting unnecessary stress on both of you. Ease up and choose your battles — after all, would it really wreck your schedule to spend an extra five minutes at the playground?
Watch for signs of overstress. Though daily tantrums are a perfectly normal part of the terrible twos, you do need to keep an eye out for possible problems brewing. Has there been upheaval in the family? An extremely busy or harried period? Tension between you and your partner? All of these can provoke tantrums. If after the age of 2 1/2 your child is still having major tantrums every day, talk to her pediatrician. If she’s younger than 2 1/2 but has three or four tantrums a day and isn’t cooperating with any routines, such as getting dressed or picking up toys, you also may want to seek help. The pediatrician can make sure that a physical or psychological condition isn’t contributing to the problem, and suggest ways to deal with the outbursts.
How can I encourage my toddler to look people in the eye when speaking to them?
Posted by: allaboutbabyblog on: April 6, 2010
Before the age of 3, most toddlers don’t yet grasp the importance of looking people in the eye when speaking to them. In fact, looking down or away is how they attempt to take control of a situation. When you’re explaining to your child that he shouldn’t jump on the bed, for example, he may look at a wall to avoid becoming overwhelmed with feelings of guilt. Or if it’s his birthday and he’s receiving presents, your child may not be able to look at Grandpa because he’s too excited. One way to draw your child out is to use a puppet to talk to him. Get his attention by placing the puppet within his line of vision. Use it to help him focus on you, then drop the puppet and catch his gaze.
When your toddler seems receptive to learning new social skills — usually sometime after his third birthday — you’ll be able to explain to him why he should look a person in the eye during conversations. Tell him, “It’s the polite thing to do. It lets the other person know that you’re listening. See how I look at you when you’re telling me something?” Remind him from time to time and reward him with praise when he remembers. Gradually he’ll learn that when he treats other people respectfully, he’s treated with respect himself.
Reference: http://www.babycenter.com/
Can spending too much time playing video games hurt my child?
Posted by: allaboutbabyblog on: April 6, 2010
Yes. Excessive video-game playing can have a negative effect on a young child for several reasons:
• Kids who spend too much time at the computer are missing out on other activities fundamental to their physical, social, intellectual, and emotional development. Time spent in front of the computer or game console is time taken away from playing with friends, being read to or doing a project with you, and other activities.
• Kids usually play video games alone, and too much time spent alone can foster social isolation.
• Children who watch more than ten hours of TV a week don’t do as well in school as kids their age who watch less. When setting limits, it’s important to consider the total amount of time your child spends in front of all electronic screens — TVs, computers, movie screens.
• Bad habits can become ingrained and are more difficult to change as children get older. (According to research, the average American 4th-grade boy spends 9.5 hours each week playing video and computer games, in addition to other screen time.)
•If your child regularly plays games with plots based on violence and aggression, research shows he is at risk for increased aggressive behavior.
It’s important to remember, however, that video and computer games aren’t all bad. Quality games give children the opportunity to practice problem solving and logic skills. They increase fine motor and coordination skills and foster an interest in information technology.
And, if you’re playing the games with your child — something I highly recommend — they provide an occasion for you to do something together. Your best bet is to limit video game playing now while your child is still young. In addition, be a smart consumer and choose video games for your child that are age appropriate and that aren’t sending the wrong message
Reference: http://www.babycenter.com/404_can-spending-too-much-time-playing-video-games-hurt-my-child_69631.bc
Tooth care
Posted by: allaboutbabyblog on: January 20, 2010
What’s the best way to brush my child’s teeth?
While your child’s early teeth are still coming in, you can clean them with a wet washcloth or a piece of gauze. By the time her back molars have come in (around 18 months), you can switch to a soft nylon-bristle child’s toothbrush. Using a pea-sized amount of toothpaste, gently brush the teeth on both the outside and inside surfaces twice a day. Brush her tongue as well (if she’ll let you) to dislodge the bacteria that can cause bad breath. Replace the toothbrush as soon as the bristles start to look worn or splayed out.
When should I let my child start brushing her own teeth?
As soon as she is willing and able, it’s a good idea to let her try to brush her own teeth, even though she probably won’t be able to do a good job of it until she’s about school age. Brush your teeth while she’s doing hers, and then “check” each other’s teeth to see if they’re clean. If her teeth sparkle and reflect light, she’s done a good job. If not, tell her you think she “missed a spot” and finish the job for her. Most children do not have the coordination to brush their teeth adequately until they have mastered using a knife and fork.
What should I do if my child won’t brush?
If your child fusses every time it’s time to brush, it might help to buy her a toothbrush or paste with a special cartoon character on it. According to Liz Birka White, a mother of three in Diablo, California, this worked well for all of her children: “Adam, my firstborn, really hated brushing until I bought him an Elmo toothbrush. From that day on, he couldn’t get enough. It was just the ticket I needed to interest him in brushing.” You can also let your child have several brushes in different colors so that she can choose the one she wants when it’s time to brush.
When does my child need fluoride and how can I tell if she’s getting the right amount?
Developing teeth can certainly benefit from a little fluoride. This mineral prevents tooth decay by strengthening tooth enamel and making it more resistant to acids and harmful bacteria. Most municipal water supplies are fortified with fluoride. (Call your local water authority or ask your dentist about yours.) If it isn’t, or if you get your water from a well, consider buying a test kit from a hardware store to determine the fluoride level in your water supply. If it’s less than .3 parts per million, ask your pediatrician whether you should give your child a supplement (the amount recommended for children under 3 is .25 milligrams per day). He can prescribe a fluoride supplement in the form of drops or chewable tablets.
A little fluoride is a good thing for your child’s teeth, but swallowing too much of it over time can lead to a condition called fluorosis that can cause white spots to show up on her adult teeth. If you live in an area with fluoridated water, your child is most likely getting plenty of fluoride. Bottled water and fruit juices may also contain fluoride, although the amount is rarely listed on the label. If your child is using a fluoridated toothpaste, you should let her use only a pea-sized drop each time. This is because young children tend to swallow their toothpaste rather than spit it out. Swallowing too much toothpaste over time can lead to fluorosis.
When should I start taking my child to the dentist?
The American Academy of Pediatrics and most pediatric dentists say it’s a good idea to bring your child to a dentist around the time she turns 1. If you haven’t yet taken her for a dental checkup, consider making an appointment soon, especially if you notice any signs of tooth decay such mouth pain, particularly while eating.
Source: http://www.babycenter.com/0_tooth-are_65340.bc?scid=mbtw_post3y_1m:628&pe=2UdYc1a
Ten ways to build your child’s self-esteem
Posted by: allaboutbabyblog on: January 20, 2010
- In: Development
- 1 Comment
Nurturing your child’s self-esteem may seem like a hefty responsibility. After all, a feeling of self-worth lays the foundation for your child’s future as he sets out to try new things on his own. “Self-esteem comes from having a sense of belonging, believing that we’re capable, and knowing our contributions are valued and worthwhile,” says California family therapist Jane Nelsen, co-author of the Positive Discipline series.
“As any parent knows, self-esteem is a fleeting experience,” says Nelsen. “Sometimes we feel good about ourselves and sometimes we don’t. What we are really trying to teach our kids are life skills like resiliency.” Your goal as a parent is to ensure that your child develops pride and self-respect — in himself and in his cultural roots — as well as faith in his ability to handle life’s challenges (for a school-age child that may mean giving a dance performance for you). Here are ten simple strategies to help boost your child’s self-esteem:
Give unconditional love. A child’s self-esteem flourishes with the kind of no-strings-attached devotion that says, “I love you, no matter who you are or what you do.” Your child benefits the most when you accept him for who he is regardless of his strengths, difficulties, temperament, or abilities. So, lavish him with love. Give him plenty of cuddles, kisses, and pats on the shoulder. And don’t forget to tell him how much you love him. When you do have to correct your child, make it clear that it’s his behavior — not him — that’s unacceptable. For instance, instead of saying, “You’re a naughty boy! Why can’t you be good?” say, “Please don’t throw the football in the house. A football is an outside toy.”
Pay attention. Carve out time to give your child your undivided attention. That does wonders for your child’s feelings of self-worth because it sends the message that you think he’s important and valuable. It doesn’t have to take a lot of time; it just means taking a moment to stop flicking through the mail if he’s trying to talk with you or turning off the TV long enough to answer a question. Make eye contact so it’s clear that you’re really listening to what he’s saying. When you’re strapped for time, let your child know it without ignoring his needs. Say, “Tell me all about what happened at soccer practice, and then when you’re finished, I’ll need to make our dinner.”
Teach limits. Establish a few reasonable rules for your child. For instance, if you tell him to wear his helmet when he rides his bike in the driveway, don’t let him go without it at his friend’s house. Knowing that certain family rules are set in stone will help him feel more secure. He’ll start to live by your expectations soon enough. Just be clear and consistent and show him that you trust him and expect him to do the right thing.
Support healthy risks. Encourage your child to explore something new, such as trying a different food, making a new friend, or riding a skateboard. Though there’s always the possibility of failure, without risk there’s little opportunity for success. So let your child safely experiment, and resist the urge to intervene. For instance, try not to “rescue” him the minute he’s showing mild frustration at figuring out how to read a tricky word. Jumping in to say, “I’ll do it” can foster dependence and diminish your child’s confidence. You’ll build his self-esteem by balancing your need to protect him with his need to tackle new tasks.
Let mistakes happen. The flip side, of course, of having choices and taking risks is that sometimes your child is bound to make mistakes. These are valuable lessons for your child’s confidence. So if your child misses the school bus because he was dawdling in his bedroom, encourage him to think about what he might do differently next time. That way his self-esteem won’t sag and he’ll understand that it’s okay to make mistakes sometimes. When you goof up yourself, admit it, says Daniel Meier, assistant professor of elementary education at San Francisco State University. Acknowledging and recovering from your mistakes sends a powerful message to your child — it makes it easier for your child to accept his own difficulties.
Celebrate the positive. Everyone responds well to encouragement, so make an effort to acknowledge the good things your child does every day within his earshot. For instance, tell his dad, “Peter did all his chores today without prompting.” He’ll get to bask in the glow of your praise and his dad’s heartening response. And be specific. Instead of saying “Good job,” say, “Thank you for setting the table for dinner.” This will enhance his sense of accomplishment and self-worth and let him know exactly what he did right.
Listen well. If your child needs to talk, stop and listen to what he has to say. He needs to know that his thoughts, feelings, desires, and opinions matter. Help him get comfortable with his emotions by labeling them. Say, “I understand you’re sad because you can’t go to the sleepover.” By accepting his emotions without judgment, you validate his feelings and show that you value what he has to say. If you share your own feelings (“I’m worried about Grandma. She’s very sick”), he’ll gain confidence in expressing his own.
Resist comparisons. Comments such as “Why can’t you be more like your brother?” or “Why can’t you be nice like Evan?” will just remind your child of where he struggles in a way that fosters shame, envy, and competition. Even positive comparisons, such as “You’re the best player” are potentially damaging because a child can find it hard to live up to this image. If you let your child know that you appreciate him for the unique individual he is, he’ll be more likely to value himself too.
Offer empathy. If your child compares himself unfavorably to his siblings or peers (“Why can’t I throw a football like Nicholas?”), show him empathy and then emphasize one of his strengths. For instance, say, “You’re right. Nicholas is good at throwing a football. And you’re a fast runner.” This can help your child learn that we all have strengths and weaknesses, and that he doesn’t have to be perfect to feel good about himself.
Provide encouragement. Every child needs the kind of support from loved ones that signals, “I believe in you. I see your effort. Keep going!” Encouragement means acknowledging progress — not just rewarding achievement. So if your child is struggling with a math problem, say: “You’re trying very hard and you almost have it!” instead of “Not like that. Let me do it.”
There’s a difference between praise and encouragement. One rewards the task while the other rewards the person (“You did it!” rather than “I’m proud of you!”). Praise can make a child feel that he’s only “good” if he does something perfectly. Encouragement, on the other hand, acknowledges the effort. “Tell me about the game. I saw you really hustling out there” is more helpful than saying, “You’re the best player on the team.” Too much praise can sap self-esteem because it can create pressure to perform and set up a continual need for approval from others. So dole out the praise judiciously and offer encouragement liberally; it will help your child grow up to feel good about himself.
Source:
Brush Your Teeth – Nursery Rhyme
Posted by: allaboutbabyblog on: December 19, 2009
Well, you wake up in the morning, it’s a quarter to one and you wanna have a little fun
(Chorus:)
You brush your teeth (brush, brush, brush your teeth)
You brush your teeth (brush, brush, brush your teeth)
You brush your teeth – get ‘em real nice and clean
You wake up in the morning, it’s a quarter to two
and you wanna find something to do
(Chorus)
You wake up in the morning, it’s a quarter to three
and you wanna flash your smile at me
(Chorus)
You wake up in the morning, it’s a quarter to four
and you think you hear a knock on your door
(Chorus)
You wake up in the morning, it’s a quarter to five
and you start to hear those birds come alive
(Chorus)
You wake up in the morning, it’s a quarter to six
You know you better get those teeth brushed real quick
(Chorus)
You wake up in the morning, it’s a quarter to seven
When I’m brushing my teeth, I’m in seventh heaven
(Chorus)
You wake up in the morning, it’s a quarter to eight
You better finish brushing those teeth, or you’re gonna be late (Chorus)
You wake up in the morning, it’s a quarter to nine
When you’re brushing your teeth, you know you feel real fine (Chorus)
You wake up in the morning, it’s a quarter to ten
If you want any more, you’ll have to sing it again
(Chorus)
Brush Your Teeth – Videos
Posted by: allaboutbabyblog on: December 19, 2009
Getting Your Child to Brush Their Teeth
Posted by: allaboutbabyblog on: December 19, 2009
Getting your child to brush their teeth sounds simple enough, right? But if you’ve ever had to hold a struggling toddler down to brush their teeth than you know it’s easier said than done. For whatever reason, some kids just hate to brush or have their teeth brushed. However, the alternative of not brushing leads to a whole host of problems like rotten teeth.
Get Them Started Early
To establish good oral habits in your child, start cleaning their teeth from the start. In fact, the American Dental Association suggests that you begin cleaning your baby’s mouth the first few days after birth. The ADA recommends that you take a wet washcloth and clean your baby’s gums after each feeding.
After those first teeth appear, take a cotton ball and gently clean each tooth. Your baby will become accustomed to you cleaning their teeth and will be less resistant as they get older.
Follow these Rules
Most children don’t have the capacity to correctly brush their teeth until the age of six and need your assistance. When brushing your child’s teeth remember…
• Use only a pea-size amount of toothpaste on their toothbrush as larger amounts tend to create excessive foam making it more difficult for your child to brush.
• Make sure that your child gets in the habit of spitting out the toothpaste. Swallowing toothpaste on a consistent basis can lead to a condition known as fluorosis, in which spots may appear on your child’s teeth.
• Be careful of the toothpaste you use. Almost all toothpastes contain harsh flavorings that adults barely notice, but that can sting young mouths. Choose toothpaste designed for young children and a flavor that your child likes. Sometimes it takes some trial and error to find the right flavor for your child.
Make it Fun!
Many children just don’t like to brush their teeth because it isn’t fun or takes away time from more desirable activities. Try and make brushing their teeth a fun activity.
• Let your child brush your teeth. You should laugh a lot and make it a fun activity. Then allow them to “brush” their own teeth. Finish by brushing your child’s teeth.
• Have your child brush their favorite doll’s teeth before you brush theirs. Remember always allow them to “brush” their own teeth and then follow up by brushing their teeth correctly.
• Hang a piece of bright construction paper on the bathroom wall. Each time your child has a thorough brushing, he or she can choose a sticker or star and put it on the poster.
• Get a toothbrush or toothpaste with their favorite character on it. Or better yet purchase one of those toothbrushes that light up or play music. These toothbrushes are fun and usually have a timer on them to let the kids know how long to brush.
Remember instilling good brushing habits now will stay with your child for the rest of their life and preserve those beautiful smiles that parents love so much!
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