Welcome to the Home Insemination Kit advice column, where our team of “experts” tackles your queries about life, parenting, relationships, and more.
This week, we’re exploring the question: when is it time to stop wiping your child’s behind? Have a question of your own? Just reach out!
This isn’t really a pressing issue, but I could use another perspective. I was chatting with some mom friends recently, and they were sharing their frustrations about their kids’ poor wiping skills, leading to laundry piles that looked like bacon strips. I kept quiet because I felt outnumbered, but the truth is, I still wipe my kid’s butt, and she’s almost five. Is that strange? She hasn’t been in preschool or daycare due to the pandemic, so I guess I just haven’t stopped. My friends’ kids apparently have been doing it themselves since they were potty-trained, which sounds wild to me. Am I the odd one out here?
First off, let me say that this is one of the most charming “problems” I’ve encountered! As for whether you’re odd for still helping with butt wiping, the answer is no. You’re just following a routine that works for you. Every child develops at their own pace, and it’s not uncommon for kids not to master this skill until much later. The fact that your friends are struggling with laundry suggests that their kids might not be as tidy as they think.
If you feel comfortable, you can begin teaching your daughter how to wipe herself properly. If she’s anything like mine, she might be apprehensive about dealing with poop, but with some guidance, she’ll get the hang of it. You can show her how many squares to use (about 5-6, depending on the brand), and give her a few tips on technique. If she’s starting school soon, it’ll be important for her to know how to handle this on her own.
Embrace your role as the Butt-Wiping Mom! It means fewer messes for you, and your daughter will likely appreciate having a solid foundation for cleanliness. Plus, she’ll probably carry these good habits into the future.
Want more insights? Check out this other blog post for additional tips.
Summary:
In this article, we explore the question of whether it’s strange for a parent to still wipe their child’s bottom at almost five years old. The consensus is that it’s perfectly normal, especially if the child hasn’t been in preschool or daycare. Each child develops at their own pace, and it’s okay to continue helping with this task until they’re ready to do it themselves. Parents can gently transition their children to self-wiping with proper guidance, emphasizing good hygiene habits.
SEO metadata: