Does less equal more in parenting?

Do you think that where you might slack or be lenient in some areas your children might be able to better set their boundaries? For instance, I am not very good about making the kids brush their teeth. I mean, I always forget it seems like. My son on the other hand just does it, he likes brushing his teeth and he's only three. I tell him that you should brush your teeth every day but I seldom enforce this rule. So this is what I'm wondering... Is it because I don't make such a huge big deal out of it that he enjoys it and makes up his mind about wanting to do this for himself? I know this obviously doesn't apply to every situation in parenting, but it's an interesting look at things. Also maybe it's just him? What do you think?