Creative Parenting

Jay's post about his wife (but peripherally, about the torture that is brushing his son's teeth) reminded me of a great trick I developed when Kyle was little and hated having his teeth brushed. (I believe he was about 2 or 3 at the time.) I invited him to have his teeth brushed while he stood on his head. Yes, of course he thought I was silly, and boy did he go for it. In the beginning, I had to get the brush loaded and then help him get up there (and hold his feet with one hand and brush with the other, but we got it down to a science.) For at least six months (and every so often after that), I brushed Kyle's teeth as he stood on his head in the hallway, outside the bathroom, just because it was fun that way.

Hey, don't knock it; you can do a GREAT job brushing chompers from that position; just try it, and tell me I'm lying. (Am NOT!)

What are your creative ideas for getting kids to do things they don't want to do?

P.S. Today's the last day to enter my 444th Post Giveaway! Winners will be drawn some time after 5pm tonight, so watch your Readers for the results :)