Monday, July 28, 2014

Fighting Tooth and Nail!

We need nail trimming and tooth brushing tips and advice.

I've had miles of advice throughout the years.  I think I just need a refresher.

We've been implementing (or rather trying to implement) the "ready, not ready" method where I don't push too hard to clean or trim teeth or nails, which are both such sensitive sensory experiences, until the boys tell me they are ready.  I say "ok, tell me when you are ready," and they are supposed to, at some point, tell me they are ready and then comply.

Only with Zack, he is never ready.  "Ready, not ready" to him just seems to mean "oh good, I'm off the hook, they aren't going to force it."

I got AJ to let me trim a few of his nails by waiting until he said he was ready, and the promising him two chips per nail.  Every time he lets me get one nail trimmed, he gets two Doritos.  (Furthering the teeth problems, incidentally.)

So that worked for one.  After that, he just keeps telling me he is ready, but then he jerks his hand away before I can clamp down on the trimmer.  He told me to do my own nails, so I found one that wasn't bitten to the quick and trimmed it for him to see.

Made no difference.  He repeatedly tells me "I'm ready!" and offers me his hand, only to yank it away as soon as I get the trimmer in place.  Regardless of the promise of chips, he just can't bring himself to be still for it.

And his nails are luxuriously long and gorgeous.  I'd be having a great time with them, and some sparkly green polish.

They aren't working on him, though.  I have thought about trying to catch him asleep and doing it.  That doesn't help us with the problem of how to push past the sensory issue, though it does get the nails trimmed.  I'd have to be awful careful, though; even medicated, he's a terribly light sleeper.

And teeth brushing.  Equally painful for AJ.  Zack actually isn't too horrible about it.  He doesn't like it and doesn't do a great job, but he isn't impossible.  AJ, however, my sensitive boy, will fend you off like a ninja.  Honestly, if the people who diagnosed him with fine motor delays could see how expertly he avoids the toothbrush in my hand....  He'd make an amazing swordsman.

So.  I'm opening the floor for new ideas.  Because I'm fresh out.  And tired.

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