Q&A: How can I get my toddler to brush their teeth without a power struggle?

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Emily Upshur and I talk about...

 

• Why trying harder often makes tooth brushing harder, and what to focus on instead.

• The surprising reason lowering your expectations in the short term can actually lead to better long-term habits.

• How to tell whether your child is resisting because of autonomy, sensory sensitivities, or something else entirely.

• Why treating tooth brushing like learning a brand-new skill, no matter your child's age, can completely change your approach.

• Simple ways to use play, exposure, and curiosity to help your child feel more comfortable with brushing.

• Small changes to your routine that can dramatically reduce bedtime power struggles.

• Creative ideas to make tooth brushing feel less threatening and more engaging, even for children who have fought it every step of the way.

 

Whether your child refuses to open their mouth, insists on brushing independently, or runs away the moment the toothbrush comes out, this episode will help you move away from daily battles and toward a calmer, more connected approach that builds cooperation over time.

 

 

REFERENCES AND RELATED RESOURCES:

 

💥 Tired of constant battles with your child? Watch my ✨FREE✨ workshop, Overcoming Power Struggles, where I'll teach you the exact strategies I use in my clinical practice to help parents break free from the cycle of yelling, threats, and negotiations—and instead foster cooperation, connection, and calm. Just visit drsarahbren.com/powerstruggles to get instant access to this workshop.

 

 

CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE:

 

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about helping your toddler feel seen, understood, and validated with the co-authors of the Terrific Toddlers series

 

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about how you can teach your toddler to clean up their toys without power struggles

 

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about how to set limits, support independence, and reduce meltdowns with Devon Kuntzman

 

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about why toddler sleep is different than infant sleep and how to use the attachment relationship to help your child fall asleep with Eileen Henry

 

 

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU:

 

Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions!