I let the kids brush their teeth with ‘their’ toothbrushes then when I brush their teeth with ‘my’ toothbrush I sing the ABC’s & Counting song. If they start to fight it, bite down or not open their mouth wide enough then I ‘tickle’ their gums and cheeks with the toothbrush.

By letting them brush their teeth first gives them independence and practice. By tickling and singing, we’re making it more fun for them and less of a chore. The singing of the ABC’s & 123′s in a daily routine, helps them to learn them quicker.

I was at a play group a little while ago and was discussing baking with children and how frustrating and messy it can be.  When I’m baking I just like to get it done but the kids love to help.  So what I do is I set up a bowl for each child and one for me.  Then I set out smaller bowls of cherrios, puffed wheat or oatmeal that the kids can use as their ingredients and I give them spoons to mix their ‘baking’.  This keeps them busy with their own individual baking projects while I get mine done.  Plus, they can eat their baking right away instead of waiting to eat the real baking before it’s cooked.