I sent the kids upstairs to brush their teeth and get ready for bed. A few minutes later I went upstairs and into the bathroom to find my daughter squeezing toothpaste directly into her mouth.

Me to Kelly:  Kelly, where’s your toothbrush?

Kelly: I have a better idea.

She then bent over the sink, filled her mouth with water from the faucet, and swished it around.

Me: Using toothpaste like mouthwash doesn’t take the place of brushing. Where’s your toothbrush?

She couldn’t answer immediately because her mouth was full. So I asked her if she wanted me to get her step-stool because she is a little too short to easily spit down into the sink. She shook her head “No” and then, before I could respond, she spat a mouthful of toothpaste and water all over the mirror.

Her toothbrush, by the way, was on the floor. She was standing on it.