Reply to How do you make a 14-year-old brush their teeth?

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]He doesn't have a teeth brushing issue, he has an organization and executive functioning issue. Agree that for some period of time you are going to have to supervise more closely, not just the teeth brushing but the morning routine. But I wouldn't stand over him while he brushes. I'd start sitting down with him in the evening before bed and saying "Ok, what's your list for what you have to do tomorrow before school?" and watch him write it out, including brushing his teeth. Then tell him to estimate how long he needs for each thing, and provide feedback if he's underestimating ("I think you should allocate at least 5 minutes to brushing teeth, hair, and just making sure you look okay in the mirror. That way you won't feel rushed on this part since it's something that gets missed a lot."). Then use the times to figure out when he has to get up. Build in a buffer and be explicit about this -- "Let's add another 10 minutes just to make sure you're not in a rush." This is a good habit in general. That's what this is about. Teaching good habits.

You take that list with the times and you pin it to the inside of his bedroom door. Make sure he gets up at the time you figured he needed to. Initially, you need to supervise. Stay nearby and as he does things, remind him to check his list. If he gets distracted by his phone or something else, interrupt: "Ok, phone time isn't on the list. What's next?" Stay on him.

Do this for a couple weeks and you will be able to ease off. Once he feels what it's like to not be rushing constantly, he will start doing it on his own.

Bonus: once he realizes the benefit of getting up early, knowing in advance what must get done, and doing it without distraction, he will probably wind up with an extra 5-10 minute many mornings to sit and do phone time before you leave. And he'll also learn that time is more relaxing when he's not worried about packing his bag, brushing his teeth, or listening to his parent nag him about it.

This is how kids learn.[/quote]

NP. Your post is super patronizing and kind of annoying. If he can stand in the bathroom and run his toothbrush and not actually brush his teeth...he has the time to brush his teeth.[/quote]

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