Copy Me: Toothbrush Imitation
Parent models toothbrushing movements with their own toothbrush while baby watches, encouraging imitation and building early healthy habits. The agent coaches the parent to observe imitation attempts, attention to the activity, and social engagement during this daily routine practice.
Opens a guided voice session in TogetherTime.
What you'll need
Parent and baby in a comfortable position where baby can clearly see parent's face and hands. Parent needs their own toothbrush and toothpaste. Baby does not need a toothbrush — this is observational learning. Best done during regular toothbrushing time.
How it works
- 1~30s
Start by showing your child your toothbrush and putting a tiny bit of toothpaste on it. Then begin brushing your own teeth very slowly and deliberately — brush on one side, then the other, making big obvious movements. Keep eye contact with your child and smile. Does they watch your movements closely? Does they seem interested in what you're doing? Tell me what you notice.
Watch for: Baby watches parent's toothbrushing movements with focused attention, showing readiness to imitate.
- 2~35s
Now try some playful brushing movements — make the toothbrush go round and round in circles, then up and down. Do each movement slowly and repeat it a few times. Watch your child's hands and mouth. Does they try to copy any of the movements? Maybe they moves their own hand in a circle or opens and closes their mouth. Even small attempts count!
Watch for: Baby attempts to imitate parent's toothbrushing movements with own body parts.
- 3~40s
Let's make it a game! Brush your teeth with different rhythms — slow, then fast, then medium pace. Make funny faces while you brush — big smiles, surprised 'oh' faces. Does your child laugh or smile back? Does they stay engaged through the whole activity, or does their attention wander? This playful approach helps build positive associations with toothbrushing.
Watch for: Baby maintains attention and engagement through varied toothbrushing activities.