#034 Tooth-brushing Special: how to diffuse standoffs with the power of play

I’m very excited because today I am sharing with you my magic formula for overcoming parenting standoffs using laughter and play. Specifically I’m going to be looking at teeth brushing, but this applies to many different power struggles we have with our kids.

I’ll help you understand what is going on with the power struggle dynamic, what emotions are behind it and what you can do about it.

This is one of my favourite things to talk about.

Once you understand the basics and practice a bit - you can use these principles to solve any and every standoff and power struggle you have with your kids.

And at the same time you are investing in your relationship, connecting, having fun. You will both feel all warm and fuzzy inside after connecting through laughter - guaranteed!!

I share five play ideas for teeth-brushing (but make sure you listen in to learn the basic principles and common pitfalls).

1. Confused Toothbrush - I’ve forgotten who I am

Pretend the toothbrush is talking “I can’t remember what I’m supposed to do/ who I am, am I a hairbrush? No, maybe I'm a nail clippers”

2. Where’s the dentist?

“Hmmm, I do not want to brush my teeth today, I hope there isn’t a dentist around here who is going to make me!”

Give your child an inviting playful look and allow them to be in charge of brushing your teeth.

3. Out of control toothbrush

“Toothbrush is out of control, help!!!”

Toothbrush flies around the bathroom, whooshes past them.

4. What is this thing? (you could do in robot voice, or pretend to be an alien)

Look at toothbrush like you’ve never seen it before. “What is it for? Must be for brushing nose hairs!”

For removing belly button fluff.

A fairy detector.

5. I’ve lost my teeth

“I can’t remember where your teeth are. Are they in your armpit. That’s funny, I was sure they were there! Must be behind your ears.”

I have put together a wonderful cheat sheet of ideas (using these principles) to solve a whole host of parenting challenges.

If you would like your copy, I am inviting you to leave an Apple podcast review OR share my podcast on your favourite Facebook/WhatsApp parenting group (as long as it doesn’t go against group rules) or share on your profile.

Screen shot your review/share and email it to me hello@pamtheparentcoach.com and I will send you my cheat sheet.

There are 12 common parenting standoff scenarios on there including sharing, sibling battles, picky eating, getting out the door in time, clingy kids and hair washing battles.