How to Get 9 Yo to Brush Teeth Without Reminders

I have an 11 and a 13 year old that I still have to remind so if you come up with anything that sounds genious, let me know :)

L.

Hello L. - I really wouldn't stress out your nine-year-old about forgetting to brush his teeth. I'm guessing he's going into third or fourth grade - not exactly an adult - so a quick reminder every morning really isn't a big deal. I have to remind my 15-year-old sometimes and my almost 12-year-old quite a few mornings. If forgetting to brush his teeth is your only complaint I think you are doing really well with him! I know I'm a pretty relaxed mom, and from reading some letters on Mamasource I realize that some mothers have lots of strict rules and regulations in their households, but my take is that kids are living at home, not camp or school, and that it's really only worth fighting over the big stuff. Good luck - Alison

Can he fix his own breakfast? I would go with the independance in some other way as dental hygine is too important. Here is the light at the end of the tunnel for you though, when he finds out that girls are interesting he will brush his teeth, shower, use deoderant and wash behind his ears :)

Know that you are not alone and this is the age. I have a 13 son who doesn't always remember and a 10 year old daughter who doesn't always remember but then I found out from friends that their kids don't either so it is an age thing. I do still go into my kids rooms at night and some times they would say they had brushed, so I would say let me smell your breathe and after having called them out on it they would have to get out of bed and go do it and I would stand over their shoulder .......my kids now have gotten a little better. A little accountability.

I showed my girls pictures of rotten teeth on the internet and told them it's not pretty and we don't want that to happen to us. I still have to remind my 6 1/2 year old every morning and night, but she does it without a fuss. I don't know if that will work for every child (or a boy - LOL). But good luck!

If you nag, he'll never learn to be responsible. At this age if he remembers and does EVERYTHING expected he gets rewards (like going to places he wants to go, watching what he wants on TV, etc), if he doesn't do 100%, the he doesn't go or he's late until he figures out what has to be done, etc. You're not going to remind him in college. Let him gain your respect by being responsible. Bite your tongue and hold on the "normal" rewards for good behavior. I held my daughter up 15 minutes just once from a practice for not completing chores and that's all it took.

Honey, when you figure it out send me a message. Because I'm still having trouble with my 11 year old. If I don't mention it it won't get done. That really bothers me.

hey L.. In my opinion what I would do with a child that is that old. i would realize that they do what they want to and dont want to at that age. and you would want this brushing activity to be their idea. so you really wanna show Value to them in having good oral hygene. So if it were me, i would make a consultation appt with a paridontist. the ones who deal with Gums! its your GUMS that get neglected the most if you dont brush well. and Often! Its your Gums that will make your teelt fall out. its your Gums that will need $25,000 worth of unbearable repair for years and years in just the hopes of it gettign better. some of this Teeth health is genetic weather we take Great care or No care at all of those precious teeth! This specialist will happily show you slides and pictures of what your Mouth will become if you do not make Good Choices NOW with your health! Your Mouth is where your health starts! all of it. from how sick we get to what kind of teeth we end up with as adults. Ignore your teeth, they GO AWAY Right! =)
I say make this child see the value in becoming responsible to ones self in the are of personal care.
GOOD Luck! Andrea