When you’re trying to get your child into the habit of brushing their teeth on their own, you may find that they aren’t spending as much time as they should on the task. How can you, as a parent, make sure that they’re brushing as thoroughly as they need to? Research shows that praising them for doing so could be a very helpful strategy. Below is a closer look at why you should praise your child for brushing their teeth, as well as the best way to do it.
How Can Praising Your Child for Brushing Their Teeth Make a Difference?
A study published in Child Development examined the impact that parental praise could have on daily toothbrushing behaviors in three-year-olds. Parents were told to record videos of their children brushing their teeth every night, with said videos including any praise or instructions given.
The results of the study showed that while persistence in brushing varied from day to day, children tended to spend more time brushing their teeth when they received plenty of praise while being given less instruction. Most of the praise involved generic phrases such as “good job” as well as more specific compliments for the way the child brushed.
The researchers who carried out the study have acknowledged that it has its limitations. Nevertheless, the evidence strongly indicates that praise could ultimately help your child develop the right toothbrushing habits.
How Should You Praise Your Child for Brushing Their Teeth?
What’s the most effective way to praise your child for brushing their teeth? Here are some helpful tips that can be worth keeping in mind:
- Be sincere with the compliments you give. Your child will likely be able to tell when your praise is less than genuine. Even if your little one has some work to do regarding their brushing habits, it’s worth looking for aspects that truly deserve to be complimented.
- Strike a balance regarding how often you praise them. You don’t want to overdo it (since it could lessen the impact of your compliments), but at the same time, it’s a good idea to keep praising your child for the same things.
- Make a point of praising your child for their effort as well as specific aspects of the process, such as remembering to brush the backs of their teeth.
The simple act of praising your child could go a long way toward helping them turn brushing their teeth into a lifelong habit. If you need any assistance in trying to figure out the best way to encourage your little one, feel free to speak to their dentist to see what they suggest.
About the Author
Dr. Chung Chien Hsia is a graduate of the Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine. He values being able to help his patients enjoy healthier, more confident smiles. At Jupiter Family Dental of Richardson, he provides gentle, personalized dental care for children. If you would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Hsia for your child, visit his website or call (214) 432-1133.
