Toddler Refusing Nail Cutting, part 2

Dear Vicky,

When eating whole and healthy foods, teeth cleaning is not necessary for most. Some children inherit teeth issues and in that case parents do brush their teeth in variety of playful ways. There are sometimes physical issues of the body that must be cared for like injury, illness and some basic body care.

If your daughter’s uncut nails cause no harm to herself or to others, you can let it be. It seems like you already have decided to go this way. I am sure other people and life experiences will bring up the need to cut them at some point. When she does choose to cut them, do not cut very deep. Some children have an extreme sensitivity on their finger tips and must have their nail cut way above the cutting line. This could be your daughter’s problem.

My former response to your question is applicable as a general attitude. If the first time your toddler resisted cutting her nails was treated with benign validation and with, “Well, nails get trimmed,” she would have, most likely, accommodated reality after a couple of times and with some playful solutions. Your daughter learned that screaming deters you even if it is something that has to be done. You can let the nails be, but check the dynamics of communication between her and you.

P.S. On my bio page it says that I answer only one question per person, and only questions that are under 100 words. If you need further assistance, please book yourself time on the phone with me: http://authenticparent.com/guidance.html

Warmly, http://authenticparent.com/index.html