Raising Independent Kids

With four girls in the house, they all have to be more independent at doing things that other kids may not have to do. Of course, it means that I have to give up control of some things, and they may not be done to my expectations, but they are done!

For example, recently, I decided that the older two girls can start sorting their dirty laundry into two baskets (whites and colors). Then I took it one step further and told them they were also going to start folding their laundry as well as putting it away. Is it done perfectly or the way I would do it? Absolutely not. Is it done and one less thing that I have to do? Yep! That’s a win.

Did you know that toothbrushing is actually the second most popular task children are adamant about doing independently? Our two year old has been asking to do it herself since she started talking. Of course, a two year old isn’t so good at brushing, so we have to follow up behind her.

I’ve been using a Sonicare toothbrush* for many years. I was brushing too hard and causing spots on my teeth and my dentist recommended it. Mr. Serious has one, too. Our oldest got a Sonicare for Kids* toothbrush from her grandma for Christmas. Poor N had to wait patiently for hers, but we were sent one, and as soon as she saw it on the counter, she asked to brush her teeth! Another win.

So now, the oldest two have their toothbrushes that beep when they need to move to another quadrant of their mouth (KidPacer), and beep when they have brushed for two minutes with the KidTimer. No more bugging them to keep brushing or to make sure they get their entire mouth. (If only the toothbrush wouldn’t turn on until there was toothpaste on the brush head!)

The NEW Philips Sonicare For Kids power toothbrush for is for kids ages 4+ (so, despite E wanting to be like her sisters, she’s going to have to wait a bit to get her own)! Fortunately, because the oldest is doing so well with her brushing, she has now started to help with E’s brushing.

More About Philips Sonicare For Kids:

• Patented sonic technology drives fluid between teeth and along the gum-line, gently delivering more than 500 brush strokes per second
• Removes up to 75% more plaque than a manual toothbrush in hard to reach areas
• Ultra-Soft brush heads are designed to gently clean and protect teeth as they grow
• Help kids form a lifetime of healthy oral care habits for less than the average cost to treat a single cavity

Want to get involved? Philips Sonicare is hosting a contest on their Facebook page where they are giving away two new Philips Sonicare For Kids’ each week.

How are your kids showing their independent side?

*Affilate link. If you click and purchase, I get a few pennies which I use to host this lovely site.