{"id":136,"date":"2025-08-12T15:18:00","date_gmt":"2025-08-12T15:18:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hamiltonpediatrics.ca\/blog\/?p=136"},"modified":"2025-09-12T15:19:51","modified_gmt":"2025-09-12T15:19:51","slug":"learn-how-parental-praise-can-help-kids-build-better-brushing-habits","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hamiltonpediatrics.ca\/blog\/2025\/08\/12\/learn-how-parental-praise-can-help-kids-build-better-brushing-habits\/","title":{"rendered":"Learn How Parental Praise Can Help Kids Build Better Brushing Habits"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Getting children to brush their teeth regularly\u2014and thoroughly\u2014can feel like a daily battle for many parents. But what if the secret to success isn\u2019t more reminders, but the right kind of encouragement? A recent study published in Child Development<\/em> suggests that children are more likely to brush their teeth, and spend more time doing it, when parents use praise effectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This finding highlights a simple but powerful way to support your child\u2019s oral health<\/a> routine and help them develop habits that last a lifetime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

What the Study Found<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The study, conducted by researchers observing parent\u2013child interactions, revealed that the type of praise given plays an important role in a child\u2019s motivation. Children who were praised with process-based feedback, such as \u201cI like how carefully you\u2019re brushing,\u201d were more likely to brush for longer and return to brushing without being prompted later on. On the other hand, generic praise like \u201cGood job\u201d was less impactful in encouraging long-term habits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The takeaway? It\u2019s not just about praising your child\u2014it\u2019s about praising the effort and technique they use while brushing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Praise Matters in Oral Health<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Toothbrushing can feel like a chore to kids, especially when they don\u2019t fully understand the importance of oral health. Praise provides positive reinforcement, helping children associate brushing with feelings of accomplishment rather than resistance. Over time, this positive connection can lead to greater independence and consistency in their daily routines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Parents often underestimate the influence their words have. By offering specific praise, you\u2019re not only boosting your child\u2019s confidence but also teaching them what effective brushing looks like.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tips for Using Praise Effectively<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Putting this research into practice doesn\u2019t have to be complicated. Here are a few ways to encourage your child while building better brushing habits:<\/p>\n\n\n\n