Happy New Year! It’s Tanis, here are my answers to some additional questions that Tina had about getting her kids to brush their teeth as well as additional questions about meal planning.
Tina’s Questions:
Hi Tanis – great suggestions. So do you think it would be helpful to show the kids pictures of healthy teeth versus decayed teeth, physically fit body versus couch potato, someone who cares for themselves versus someone who does not?? I don’t hide from my kids – they always come in when I am bathing or before or after showers…so they see me doing these things…what else can I do to demonstrate?
I talk to them about how they feel when I am giving them baths – for instance, when I wash their face I will comment “now doesn’t that feel better – fresh”? Things like that.
What about for meals – should we give them 2 or 3 options and then let them choose or perhaps get them involved in creating a weekly menu (w/flexibility or without?) I really want to get them to the point where they can make their own choices and support them. I do that with other things as well – like what they want to wear.
My husband and I have to be better role models in the healthy eating department – my kids only see me eat at supper (I never eat breakfast) and my husband drinks a lot of coffee and soft drinks. I’ve explained to him that if they see him making those choices than why are they bad choices for the kids.
I guess for now I have to just do my best and hope for the best until I can put it all together. Thank you for all of your help – it is sooooo appreciated 
My Response:
Hi Tina Yes, I find the more kids understand the “why” around things that you are wanting them to do the easier it is.
If they are told to brush their teeth for example because you said so it is now a power struggle with mom whereas if you ask them to brush their teeth because you are concerned for their teeth and well-being and then give them all the information on why it’s important it will put the decision in their hands and give them the control to decide.
Pictures are good to show, especially a visual child (which means they learn by seeing and doing), role-modeling is always very helpful too.
I think that getting kids involved with meal planning is a great idea for a lot of different reasons!
My boys love to have a say in what we eat, especially when they get to help prepare it.
My nine year old loves to shop for his ingredients and then prepare whatever meal he has picked out of the recipe book. I have only one rule, it has to be something nutritious, and it’s never been a problem.
Melody tells me you let your kids decorate their own individual Christmas tree’s, that’s a wonderful idea! Little things like that make a huge difference in helping them understand you are supporting their own uniqueness! Take care, I look forward to hearing from you!
Tanis
In my next post, I will be continuing with the next installment of our Practical Parenting Tips Series called Part 5 – Behavioral and Aggressiveness Problems: My child has a low frustration level, what can I do to help him?
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