Monster Teeth Brushing

from 24 months · 10-15 min · Everyday helper

What you need

Draw a big monster face on the paper with a wide open mouth and a row of big square teeth.
Slide the drawing into the plastic sleeve.
Scribble over the teeth on the plastic so the monster has dirty teeth.
Dip the toothbrush in the water and let your toddler brush the monster's teeth clean, top teeth then bottom.
Scribble more on and brush again, then brush their own teeth together afterwards.

Brushing a monster's teeth turns a routine some toddlers fight into a game, and seeing the dirt come off shows them what the brushing is for.

Brushing teeth: Moving the brush up, down and round on the monster is the same movement as brushing their own teeth.
Hand control: Keeping the brush on one tooth at a time asks for small, careful movements.
Pretend play: Looking after the monster lets them be the grown-up for a change.

Watch whether they copy the way you brush their teeth. If they talk to the monster while they do it, join in.

Use a spare toothbrush for the monster, not the one they brush with. A dry-wipe pen comes off the plastic most easily.

Easier: draw just three or four big teeth so each one is quick to clean

Harder: let them scribble the dirt on themselves and brush round in little circles