Tonight's Griffin comment

[littleheaven]

We're having a heck of a time getting Griffin to brush his teeth (or to allow us to brush them). We do it every night and often it ends in heartbroken hysterical sobbing (his, not mine) while hubby holds him still. We've tried everything from distraction to electric brushes to all brushing our teeth together... and currently we're pinning our hopes on a sticker reward chart.

Tonight...
Me: Time to brush your teeth now.
G: Yeah! (pause) I still crying.
Me: You don't need to cry, I'll be very quick and gentle.
G: *pout*
Me: Remember what I said would happen if we don't clean your teeth? They'll all drop out.
G: They falling on the floor and won't work anymore.
Me: That's right. You won't be able to eat your biscuits.
G: I still crying.

*sigh*

Comments

[sg-betty.livejournal.com]

Boy, that's a new one! I mean, a lot of kids don't like it, but that's pretty extreme. I wonder what he hates so much about it?

[littleheaven70.livejournal.com]

I think his gums are pretty tender because his last molars are coming through. We went through a good patch a while back but now we're really struggling. Hopefully if it stops hurting soon he'll get over it, because I hate having to force him, but the alternative is worse.

[counteragent.livejournal.com]

Oh, dear. (and hee)

[auntyk.livejournal.com]

I was going to ask whether you thought it was a pattern of behaviour (the crying) that he associates with the act (that it's less about it hurting and more a pattern) but given your comment about his molars is it worth looking into a numbing gel for the interim?

[littleheaven70.livejournal.com]

Yes, maybe we should stick some Bonjela on his brush. I daren't stick a finger in there. *wibble*

[auntyk.livejournal.com]

what about if you got him to? It gives him a certain amount of control over the sitch and may even help reduce his pain of the situation - as a kid I always preferred brushing the knots out of my hair than someone else, as it hurt less when I did it - probably cause I knew where the ouchies were

[littleheaven70.livejournal.com]

He will brush for about 2 seconds by himself, and I always let him have a turn first, but then he tries to throw the brush down the toilet or something. The recommendation for kids is always to do it yourself after they've had their turn to ensure everything gets properly brushed. He doesn't have the dexterity to do the job properly. I'm sure in a few months when he's older he'll be much more capable and able to do his own. The good thing with kids is that their phases are usually short lived :o)

[auntyk.livejournal.com]

oops sorry for the confusion - I meant the gel. If he does the gel on the ouchies, then you guys can brush his teeth with maybe a few less tears?

As you say, it'll be over in a couple of months. :)

[littleheaven70.livejournal.com]

LOL, I'll give it a go! He'll probably eat it, but it's worth a try :o)