Day 1 - November 13th

Applied paste to toothbrush and finger brush, showed them both to Austin, sang a song and tried touching them one at a time to his face.  Heavy resistance.

Day 2 - November 14th

Aborted paste application and finger brush.  Showed the toothbrush to Austin, sang the song which prompted a few pouty lips and the desire to cut bath time short.  Heavy resistance again but did succeed in touching the toothbrush to his cheek and hand.

Day 3 - today

Showed toothbrush to Austin but did not sing the song.  He did not seem as nervous and reached for the toothbrush himself.  I let him hold it for a minute and he put it to my mouth...huge progress on so many levels!  I touched it to his cheek again, very close to his lips this time and also to his hand.  He resisted but not as strongly.  

As you can see I am determined to teach Austin to brush his teeth.  I have been resisting this task because he is so defensive when I've tried before and I also hate making him uncomfortable.  But it is important and better to start early.  I have been coached to take it slow and one step at a time and that just touching the brush to his cheek is a good place to start.  I am going to be patient but persistent so wish me luck!

It is snowing right now and very late so I am off to bed.