My five-year-old does not brush her teeth. She plays around and acts like she is. I do not understand why she is like this. My seven-year-old son has no problems with brushing. She only brushes for the full three minutes when I am watching her. 

By five, she should be able to brush twice a day without it being an issue. Do you have any helpful tips I could try to improve her, like brushing her teeth?

Reply: It can be frustrating when kids don’t want to brush their teeth. One tip you could try is to make brushing a fun activity. You could make up a song or game to play while brushing. Try brushing your teeth together as a family to make it a group activity. 

Another option is to reward your child for brushing their teeth. You could create a sticker chart and give them one every time they brush their teeth. Once they reach a certain number of stickers, they could earn a prize or special treat.

It’s also important to ensure your child uses the right toothbrush and toothpaste. Let them pick out a fun toothbrush with their favorite character or color, and ensure they use toothpaste with fluoride to protect their teeth.

Remember to be patient and consistent with your child. Keep encouraging them to brush their teeth and praising them when they do a good job. With time and effort, your child will enjoy brushing their teeth and develop good dental habits.