Two Brushes

What you need

• two toothbrushes
• a smear of toothpaste

How to do it

1. Give your toddler their own toothbrush and keep a second one for yourself.
2. Put a smear of toothpaste on yours and let them have a go with theirs first.
3. When they've finished their turn, say 'my turn to finish' and use your brush to do the proper clean.
4. Spit out at the end. No rinsing with water.

Why it matters

Two brushes means they get to do it themselves and you still get the teeth properly clean, which is the only version where both of you win.

What they're learning

Having a go

Holding the brush and getting it in the right place is the part they can own at this age.

Handing over

Letting you finish is its own skill, and it's easier when their turn came first.

A steady routine

Twice a day, same two brushes, same order. Predictable is what makes it stop being a fight.

What to look for

Watch for the brush reaching the back teeth rather than staying on the front ones. That's a while off yet, and yours is the brush that gets there.

A tip

A smear of toothpaste is the right amount at this age, and a grown-up needs to do the actual brushing for years yet. Their turn is for practice, yours is for clean teeth.

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