preschoolers

to master. But none the less, it needs to be done twice daily. If your preschooler isn’t a fan of brushing his pearly whites, try these tricks:

• flavor-flave Variety is the spice of life, right? Try different non-fluoride toothpaste flavors and colors to entice your preschooler.

• add some power Your preschooler might have an easier time brushing with a motorized toothbrush and they are really cool!

• inspector You know how important a healthy smile is and how it can be a real confidence booster. Until you are confident he can accomplish the task correctly by himself, make sure you are very involved in your preschoolers tooth brushing.

Bottoms Up

Can you hear it, “Mom!!! I’m done!” This is your sign to run and wipe some tooshie. It is very important to remember your preschooler is still working on his fine motor skills and there is some coordination required to do this job. It is perfectly fine to help your preschooler, but you need to encourage him to try on his own as well. Consider keeping baby wipes or other wet wipe alternatives close by for your preschooler. They are typically easier to use than regular toilet paper. It might take until the age of five or six for him to do a “good job.” So help your preschooler out, but don’t do it all for him. Just offer a helping hand.

When all else fails and your preschooler is struggling to gain more independence, create a chart. It’s amazing what a little construction paper and a sticker or two can do to promote a desired behavior.