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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]OP, every kid has their problem areas.  The hard part is to not turn it into a power struggle.  You want to work on changing one habit at a time, so for now focus on the teeth brushing.  You've gotten some good ideas here about reinforcing the habit.

What we've done: We switched to electric at age 7, which work better at cleaning, is more fun, and we made a big show of it and they were excited about them.  [b]We also started a bedtime show, which may or may not work for your family.  But the show is contingent on everyone getting ready for bed, without excessive goofing off, whining or procrastinating, pjs on, teeth clean and brushed, and bodies showered by a certain time.[/b]  It also gives us parents a little relax break at the end of the day before bed.

Celebrate and reward after a week of continuous brushing without excessive reminders.  If you are forgetful and busy like me, charts are great in theory, but they don't always work. You can say that you are keeping a mental chart in your head.  Or if you have a child like me who is an obsessive planner, have them make their own chart and fill it out every time they brush their teeth, with a clear reward for making it to X number of days of twice daily brushing without extra reminders or whining or fighting.[/quote]

This is key for our family. We moved the entire evening routine earlier so that kids won't be overtired and these not fun tasks won't be such a power struggle. We don't always do a bedtime show - sometimes it's reading a book together or playing a quick game - but this quality time feels like a treat to them every time and it's great for our family dynamic. Win, win![/quote]

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