Learning Starts from Home – School Age – Brushing Teeth

We talked about fun activities that you can share with your toddlers like brushing teeth. Today we will explore some fun activities that you can share with your school aged children.

During term time, school aged children are tired with school and after school activities; however, daily interactions are a great way to follow up with them about their day and to connect and bond.

My philosophy is about Fun Daily Interactions = Connections and Empowerment

OK, let's start…

Fun Interaction:

Brushing teeth – use this time to interact with your children. For toddlers, I suggest using music as a fun motivator and to minimise struggles. However, for older kids – you can:

• Brush teeth together – make brushing time a bonding time.
• Make it fun – i.e:
  • brush teeth together for 30 seconds without spitting out, or brush the top part for 10 seconds and bottom teeth for a further 10 seconds, and you will check whether they are cleaned properly.
  • Floss together for another 20 seconds.
  • Gurgle water for 10 seconds and make loud gurgling noises.
  • Learn to spit the water out gently or aim directly in the basin outlet.
  • Make them count the number of teeth he/she has in his/her mouth using the tongue.

Connections:

• Use this opportunity to connect – share about your day while checking their teeth. Talk about your tales about dentists, oral health, or discuss the taste of the mouth wash. Ask what he/she thinks about the flossing, or ask how many metres long is the dental floss…
• Check your child's teeth; get them to open his/her mouth for you to check. Use your hand to guide the movement /tilt his head side by side for you to check. The close physical contact is a great opportunity to connect with your child (and give extra hugs). That's how they build the trust and closeness with you.

Empowerment:

Through the interactions, your child will develop social and emotional skills, fine motor skills, as well as language skills. As for parents, you will have a better attunement and connection with your child as well.

Have fun with your child. Make every interaction you have with your child an opportunity to connect and bond with them. Relationships with your children are about shared experiences together.

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