CRCS championed Dental Health Week across our community playgroups, helping children and families explore healthy habits through play, songs and hands-on activities.
Children practised brushing their teeth, joined in fun learning activities and received a toothbrush and brushing chart to take home. The activities helped make tooth brushing feel positive and encouraged families to continue building healthy routines together.
One of the week’s highlights came from a child called Finn, who regularly attends our playgroups with his mum. Tooth brushing had previously been challenging for Finn and was often met with refusal. However, after participating in the activities, he happily and independently brushed his teeth with his new toothbrush.
It was an exciting milestone for Finn and his family, and a lovely example of how positive, play-based experiences can help children build confidence and become more comfortable with new routines.
The learning also continued at home. At another playgroup session, a proud mum returned with her daughter’s completed brushing chart, covered in stars representing a full week of successful tooth brushing. Her daughter proudly showed the chart to our team and shared that she had looked after her teeth every day.
Small steps can build healthy habits
Dental Health Week gave families an opportunity to explore how everyday routines can become positive learning experiences. Starting early can help children become familiar with looking after themselves and build confidence as they grow.
Families can support new habits by:
• using sticker charts to recognise progress and celebrate consistency
• adding songs, stories or simple games to make routines more enjoyable
• breaking a new routine into small, achievable steps
• allowing children to make age-appropriate choices, such as choosing their toothbrush
• modelling the routine and practising it together
• encouraging children’s efforts, even when things do not go perfectly
• being patient and trying different approaches to find what works for their child.
These strategies can be used across many areas of family life, not just brushing teeth.
Download Super Smiler, Weekly Sticker Chart
Supporting children and families
CRCS community playgroups are facilitated by our Child and Family Practitioners. They provide welcoming spaces where families with young children can connect with others and enjoy opportunities for learning through play, songs and community.
Through our Family Foundations program, families with children aged up to five can also access up to 18 free one-on-one sessions with a Child and Family Practitioner.
Practitioners work with families to develop practical strategies for routines, behaviour, emotional wellbeing, parenting confidence and children’s development. Support is shaped around each family’s circumstances, priorities and goals.
You don’t need a referral and there’s no cost to join.
Get in touch with Family Foundations. Email familyfoundations@crcs.com.au or call 02 6264 0200
Join a CRCS community playgroup
There is always something fun happening at our playgroups, and plenty of learning too.
Explore our community playgroups
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