The Toothbrushing Struggle That Turned Into a Busy Book

I didn’t set out to make a Toothbrush Busy Book. I set out to brush my toddler’s teeth without it ending in tears.

If you’re here, there’s a good chance you know the scene: You’re doing your best. You’ve got the toothbrush. Your toddler has… opinions.

As her mom, I didn’t want toothbrushing to be something we pushed through or rushed past. I wanted it to feel safe, predictable, and respectful. I wanted her to understand why we brush our teeth not just learn that it’s something grown-ups insist on.

So I did what I usually do when something isn’t working... I started experimenting.

What Actually Helped (Before the Busy Book)

Before I ever opened my design software, we tried everything. A few things genuinely helped and are still part of our routine today:

1. Clapping and cheering after every few brush strokes
   Celebrating progress, even tiny progress, helped her feel successful instead of pressured. It was over the top but also a memory my husband and I will look back on fondly.

2. A light-up toothbrush
   Turns out, if it lights up, it’s automatically more interesting. This one small switch made a big difference. These are the toothbrushes we love (affiliate).

3. Watching in the mirror
   Letting her see the “bubbles” forming helped her understand what was happening.

4. Giving her a turn after I brushed
   Even a short “your turn” gave her back a sense of control and made her more willing to let me finish brushing.

5. Picking a number and counting while brushing
   Counting gave brushing a clear beginning and end, which she really appreciates.

All of these helped… but none of them fully solved the problem.

Why I Made the Toothbrush Busy Book

What my toddler really needed was practice without pressure. She needed to explore toothbrushing before it happened in the bathroom. She needed to understand the steps. She needed to feel confident and capable.

So I made her a busy book where she could:

• “Brush” teeth over and over again

• Practice the motion without toothpaste, water, or time pressure

• Learn the routine through play

• Build independence and familiarity

And just like that, brushing stopped feeling like something we had to "just get through." See some of the busy book in action below!

What Makes the Toothbrush Busy Book Different

This busy book isn’t meant to replace brushing your child’s teeth. It’s meant to support it by building understanding, familiarity, and confidence ahead of time.

The Toothbrush Busy Book helps toddlers:

• Build fine motor skills

• Practice independence

• Learn oral hygiene habits in a developmentally appropriate way

• Create smoother transitions into daily routines

• Form positive, respectful associations with brushing

It became a calm, predictable part of our day instead of another thing to brace for.

I Made This Because I Needed It

I didn’t create this busy book because I wanted another product.

I created it because I needed something that:

• Met my toddler where she was

• Built habits in understanding, not compliance

• Turned a daily struggle into a predictable routine

And once it helped us, I knew it could help other families too. This books is all about building confidence through play.

The Heart Behind This Product

Whether your toddler is fighting tooth brushing or is just struggling to understand it... you’re most definitely not alone.

And if you’re looking for a way to support brushing with play, dignity, and connection, the Toothbrush Busy Book was made for you.

👉 You can find the Toothbrush Busy Book here: Toothbrush Busy Book – Make Brushing Fun and Hands-On

As always, thank you for being here 🩶

Lady with a Laminator