Have you ever seen children react to your sermonizing ways when you are trying to teach them etiquette or good habits? I believe the best way to lead is by example. Stop sermonizing and start doing what you want your children to and they will emulate. Here are some habits you can get your children to develop beyond the regular brushing and flossing.

Make a habit of checking your toothbrush regularly. And tell your child that he/she gets to pick up a brand new toothbrush every few months and when his/her toothbrush looks tattered. You need to be careful about one thing though. If your child is mischievous, he/she may ask the toothbrush to be changed everyday.

Make brushing after meals a fun activity. Tell your kids to remind you once an hour is over after a meal. And then race to go in front of the mirror to brush. It is important they learn that brushing immediately after you have had a meal is not good for the teeth.

Most children love cheese. Make it a family ritual to chew a tiny cube of cheese immediately after your meal. Cheese is not only a good source of calcium but it also negates the affect of the acids in your meal, protecting your teeth.

Don’t command your kids to brush their teeth and go to bed. Brush your teeth at the same time. And then, when you go to tuck them into the bed, read a good story to them. Cook up a story with a dental angle if you can.

By doing things with your kids, you will make them learn faster.

Tags: Children, dental care in children