For the Child Who Leaves the Brush Wet and Filthy

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

What to say

1. The brush gets rinsed before it goes in the cup. Rinsing is the last step.

2. You are already done in your head, and one more thing at the sink is one too many.

3. Three seconds under the tap, thumb across the bristles, then it stands up in the cup.

4. You do the rinse and I don’t stand behind you to check.

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.