Why This Challenge Matters

• Consistency builds habits. Skipping once often leads to skipping again. Creating a rhythm helps make brushing and flossing automatic.
• Kids are watching. When they see us keep up with good habits, it reinforces that it’s worth the effort.
• It saves trouble later. Brushing and flossing are some of the simplest things we can do to avoid expensive and painful dental issues.

How This Plays Out in Our Family

In my adult years—before kids—I would have said I had excellent oral hygiene. And even now, I never miss brushing at least once a day. But here’s where the slip happens:

Sometimes, after carefully brushing and flossing the kids’ teeth at night, I skip my second brushing altogether. And since flossing almost always happens in the evening, that means I end up missing flossing on those nights too.

• Claire (age 9): She’s working hard to show she can handle her nighttime routine on her own. For her, the deal is that she must remember to brush in the morning without a reminder for two weeks straight to “graduate” to full independence.
• Peter (age 5): He needs reminders in the morning. Sometimes we give the reminder, but he’s in the middle of play or breakfast, and we forget to follow up. Result? Missed brushing. This week, we’re making sure his second brush of the day really happens.
• Mom & Dad: We’re consistent with at least one brushing a day, but sometimes the evening slips away. The kids’ teeth get done, but ours don’t—so we miss the second brush, and with it, the floss. This week’s challenge is about tightening up that evening rhythm for us as well.

The Challenge

• Brush two times a day (morning + evening).
• Floss once a day (that’s all that’s really necessary, but if you like flossing twice—go for it!).

That’s it. Simple and clear.

Tips to Make It Stick

• Pair it with another habit. For example, brush right after breakfast and right before bed.
• Use visual cues. For kids, a fun checklist on the bathroom wall can help.
• Model it. Let your children see you brushing and flossing too—it’s a family thing.
• Track it. Even as adults, a simple checkmark can be motivating.

For Those Doing This Alone or From Afar

Maybe your kids have flown the coop, but you’d still love to join in our family challenges. This can be a wonderful way to stay connected with your grown children, grandkids, or other loved ones—each of you working on the same habit from wherever you are.

And if you’re doing this entirely on your own, that’s okay too. Use this week as a little self-check-in. Are you getting both brushes in each day? Is flossing sneaking past you? This is your reminder to stay steady with both brushes—and floss.

Mid-Year Reset Reminder

Just like last week, this is a great time to revisit those 2025 New Year’s resolutions. Did “health” or “self-care” make your list? Oral hygiene may not have been what you were thinking of, but caring for your body in the little things builds strength and discipline for the bigger goals too.

Jump In Anytime

If you’re new to our 52 Week Family Challenge, welcome! Each week we take on one simple habit to grow together as a family. You can start right here at Week 37—no need to catch up on the others.

So, this week, let’s do it together: Brush twice a day and floss once. Small habit, big impact.

Tell me in the comments: Do you already have this one down, or is this a habit you want to strengthen in your household?