At 1 and 3, my tots are at an age where they are really starting to test their independence.  Toddlers aren’t known for their reasoning skills, which means I have to be creative when it comes to getting them to do things like brush their teeth, use the toilet or eat my (apparently disgusting?) home cooking.

Here is how I get them to do all of the above without realizing they are doing what Mommy wants instead of what they want:

1.  Brushing teeth
If it were up to my kids, they would happily suck on a tube of strawberry flavoured toothpaste and call it a night.  Toothbrushes at this age are thrown on the floor with a loud “Noooo dis!” or used to scrub the bathroom sink (prior to throwing on the floor).  I have discovered that if the toothbrush is designed and shaped like a toy, they will use it with glee.  The Thomas toothbrush from Arm & Hammer™ Spinbrush™ and the Spiderman one have been tremendous, tooth-saving hits!  

2.  Use the toilet
I potty train early.  Like crazy early.  At 5 months, I had both kids starting to use the toilet and training wrapped before a year and half.  My trick is a combo of lead by example; (yep) and silly self-composed toilet songs.  Though let me tell you it gets hard to sing those when there is poo involved.  Given the proximity of mother and child whilst holding them on the toilet.

3.  Eat my home cooking
I’ll cut to the chase here: it all comes down to bribery and threats.  The promise of dessert if one finishes one’s food, the threat of not getting any if one does not.  My last resort tactic is to put the iPad on and shovel food into their mouths while they are transfixed by Caillou.

Other mothers, which tricks do you have up your sleeve?

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