I taught Mateo about brushing his teeth about a week ago. I told him in both English and in French that big boys brush their teeth in a certain way. They put the toothpaste on the brush, they run it under the water, and then they do the bottom row followed by the top. He listened attentively and opened his mouth at the appropriate times. When our lesson was over, he took the brush himself and did a surprisingly passable job of brushing his own teeth.
Ever since, every night after we read a bedtime story, we head towards the bathroom. We say good night to Mama and to Mateo in the mirror, and then we go through the Official Brushing of the Teeth Ceremony. He gets very excited and usually tells me something about it. Then we brush together.
It is all very sweet and tells me that my little man is growing up.
Also? He totally freaks when I take the toothbrush away. He would sleep with it if I let him.
sounds like a little man who likes responsibility!
also, i think that is awesome that you're speaking to him in french a bit. i was wondering if you were going to try and teach him to be bilingual. it'll be tough in the states, but if you always expose it to him a little bit, it should be easier to learn when he's older.
What a cute, cute story! I can totally picture you there next to Mato showing him how to brush...
Is it pathetic that I am slightly obsessed with all of my little cousins, as in love showing people pictures of them? I can't believe how big Mateo is gotten, and now brushing his teeth?! Wow, they grow up fast! It seems like you are doing great in Portland and life is good overall!! It's good to know that you'll be there to give Kari lots of mommy advice because you are doing such a great job at it yourself!!
Love ya!!
You'll be surprised as they get older how much you do actually let them sleep with. Will has gone through stages of "needing" to sleep with a summer hat on, and umbrella and a plastic sword among other things.
Oh god, we are still at the stage where the toothbrush is supremely important but not the actual brushing of the teeth. And yes, we also have the 'why can't I sleep with this little green plastic thing' problem.