Most parents want their kids to view Thanksgiving as a meaningful event — not just an opportunity to indulge in turkey and mashed potatoes. Unfortunately, most kids’ eyes will glaze over when their parents launch into a lecture about thankfulness. You will likely find better success by emphasizing the value of gratitude all year long. “What do you say?” It’s a question we all ask our young children after someone does something nice for them. This practice instills good manners, but it shouldn’t be confused with teaching gratitude. Imparting the meaning behind the words “thank you” takes something more. If you want grateful children, you need to be grateful parents. Consider how you can incorporate gratitude more into your everyday life. Are you as thankful as you should be? Do you repay favors and write thank- you notes? Do you regularly talk about why you’re so fortunate or what you’re thankful for? Cultivating gratitude in your life sets a good example, and many studies show it benefits your mental health as well. Next, consider how you can encourage your child to reflect on who they’re grateful for. Acts of kindness and returning the favor to those who have been good to us can inspire kids to put their gratitude into A DAILY DOSE OF GRATITUDE Raising Thankful Children
action. Doing some yardwork, sharing a toy, or making a painting as a gift can help children understand how powerful it can be to outwardly show our gratitude for the people who are in our lives. Consistency is the most crucial factor, so try to find ways you can incorporate gratitude into your everyday routine. Children of any age can keep a gratitude journal with their parents’ help. Some families also use a gratitude jar where each family member can write what they’re grateful for on a slip of paper and add something different to the jar each week. It’s the perfect way to keep gratitude front and center.
These lessons may not sink in immediately, but by cultivating these positive habits in our everyday lives, you will see a big difference in the long run.
THE RIGHT BRUSH And How to Keep It Clean
Your toothbrush is your first line of defense against dental disease and the many conditions caused or exacerbated by poor oral health. But few of us devote much time to selecting and caring for ours.
bacteria on our toothbrushes die when exposed to oxygen through drying. Instead of disinfecting, rinse your toothbrush thoroughly after every use to wash away any debris and stand it upright to dry. Do not use a toothbrush cover, as it will trap moisture and cause bacterial growth.
With its critical role in our overall health, the humble toothbrush deserves at least a bit of consideration.
Start by making sure you’re using the best type of brush. Dentists strongly recommend using a soft bristle brush only. While you might think that stiffer bristles will clean better, the truth is that many people brush harder than they should. Stiff bristles and too much pressure while brushing will wear down your enamel. Brushing too hard also makes your bristles bend and work less effectively, ironically increasing the amount of plaque on your teeth. The ideal brushing technique is thorough and gentle at the same time. Washing away food particles does not take a great deal of force.
Finally, remember that your toothbrush is not meant to last forever. Most dentists recommend changing your toothbrush 3–4 times yearly, and Dr. Maddahi recommends getting a new toothbrush every three months. He also provides another rule of thumb: When you see your toothbrush bristles are bent or frayed, the toothbrush is no longer effectively cleaning your teeth. Get a new one to protect your dental health.
Choosing your toothbrush and caring for it properly aren’t complex tasks; they just require
some vigilance. Since you can only clean your teeth as well as your tools allow, it’s worth the extra effort. And if you ever have questions about your toothbrush, we’ll be glad to answer them during your next appointment.
Once you have the right toothbrush, taking care of it is pretty simple. Many people think you should boil or disinfect your toothbrush, but while that process won’t hurt anything, it’s also unnecessary. Most
www.drmaddahi.com 2
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator