Our son can be very difficult about the most mundane activities.  Like brushing his teeth.  We brush his teeth together 2 times a day — most days.  And he fights me with brushing his teeth — most days.  This fighting back is more than the typical child is having-a-cranky-day-and-refuses-to-cooperate type scenarios.  How do I explain this so that my readers understand? If you are a mother of a neuro-atypical child then you probably don’t need an explanation.  If you are a mother of a neuro-typical child, well, its just that every little thing can become a battle.  It is just the way it is with his neurological makeup.  It is not misbehavior … it just is.  How did I do with that explanation?

So this daily teeth brushing battle can be really wearing.  In isolation it is not a big deal.  But taken in the broader context of daily life, it is a battle I wish I did not have to fight.

So the question is — do I put the responsibility of teeth brushing solely on him? If he brushes his teeth — great.  If he does not brush his teeth — great.  Then when his teeth and breath get so disgusting, will his friends say anything to him?  Will that shock him into action?

What do you think?  Do I place the responsibility of teeth brushing on a 9 year old that tends to be younger than that in terms of maturity?

I would love to hear your thoughts and opinions!

Thanks,

Karen