For the Child Who Just Says No

Four lines you can say out loud tonight. Word for word. Free to save.

What to say

1. It’s brushing time. Brushing happens every night, even the nights you say no.

2. This is the part nobody likes. You can say no and still come with me.

3. I’ll brush for twenty seconds, then you take the brush for twenty.

4. You pick which side we start on. Then we’re done.

When to use it

This is for the moment it actually goes wrong — not the calm version you rehearse in the car. Pick one line. Say it once. Then stop talking and wait three seconds. If they push back, repeat the same line, not a new one. Say the same thing for five nights before you decide it doesn't work.