We like to teach independence in our household. With five kids to be schooled, a crazy work schedule for dad and the work at home life for mom, it’s always helpful when they learn something new and I don’t have to help them as much anymore.
Dressing themselves, for example, is a great one to turn over. I don’t have to pin down the busy toddler anymore to make sure they put pants on, and they get to express some – ahem – creativity. Still, it takes awhile to get to that point, as this video so adeptly demonstrates.
[youtube]http://youtu.be/QmOuAKCSOwQ[/youtube]
Learning how to pick out their own clothes and get dressed without me is a big deal for convenience, but oral hygiene is so much more than that. And while they will eventually sort out those mismatched clothes and funky styles (well, mostly) we really can’t expect them to just pick up good brushing habits on their own. Three out of four parents told the AdCouncil recently that their kids sometimes or frequently forget to brush. With all of the effort we put into teaching our kids various skills, we really should be able to stop for two minutes at a time to help them learn to brush well.
I’m pretty excited about the Two Minutes Two Times initiative to help us make this happen. Let’s face it, at the end of a crazy day, I’m not always up for one-more-thing to do before bedtime. They get me, over at 2min2x.org The text challenge texts me twice a day with a reminder to brush with the kids. The downloadable checklists help me motivate the kids to learn. And there are even videos to watch while brushing and an app to make a game of habit-building.
On top of it all, we are giving away $100 to one happy-toothed reader- maybe for some snazzy new toothbrushes or pampering for yourself after boosting those healthy new habits!
Giveaway Details for $100 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway:
In honor of National Brush Day (www.2min2x.org), Untrained Housewife and fellow bloggers are hosting a giveaway to help parents teach their children all those daily tasks that are so important to health and well-being. One lucky winner will receive a $100 Amazon Gift Card just in time for the holidays.
The giveaway starts on October 27, 2014 and will end 11:59pm on November 3, 2014. Open to US residents, 18 and older only and void where prohibited by law. No purchase necessary – chances of winning depend on number of entries received.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
What healthy habits are you most excited for your kids to pick up?
no special trick, i just monitor that they are keeping good oral care
A sand our glass egg timer in the bathroom…they turn it over and brush until all the sand is gone.
Make it part of their routine but not a dreaded chore.
I don’t have kids but my mom would just tell me to brush or my teeth would fall out.
No, my kids are usually pretty good at doing it when I tell them to.
Yes, I used a timer to help them with how long they should brush their teeth. I let them pick out their own toothbrush and toothpaste.
We;’re still trying to find our trick, other than me badgering them twice a day to do it. We’ tried timers, music, the tooth brushes that flash for a certain amount of time. I’ll be reading all of the other tricks. ^_^
I have made it their routine since they can remember so to them, it’s just what we do. I also, even though it may not be the best idea, make sure they have a cool toothbrush with a character they like so it seems fun to brush.
My friend buys cute toothbrushes for her daughter like Hello Kitty.
Yes, and I have really been trying to teach them to brush every morning and night. Sometimes, even in the afternoon.
I could buy a lot of toothpaste and floss with that gift card!! 🙂 🙂 Really, I tell my kids all the time…if you’re eating junk from your halloween bag…brush before you go to sleep!
Teeth brushing! Getting it done daily is enough of a battle – I’d love to get it done 2x/day with no fight from them!