Trying to teach your kid to wipe their bum is not so easy. We’ve got a lot going on here. We’ve got to worry about germs, about cleanliness so they don’t wind up with sore butts, clogging the toilet with what they believe is reasonable to use, and then there is the whole wash your hands the right way thing.
Thankfully my college kid doesn’t read this blog or he might murder me because he was THE HARDEST kid to teach. My daughter on the other hand? A little easier.
Here are some things you can try to take the aggravation out of teaching your kid to wipe their bum. If you have tips your own, please share!
Teach Your Kid to Wipe His Bum
1. I know your preschool is probably telling you they have to wipe themselves. I totally get that. But, some sources say a preschooler doesn’t have the dexterity to actually do it – properly, at least. (source) And guess what? Shaming a kiddo for not being able to wipe their bum or for not doing it correctly can cause some serious issues (they’ll refuse to poop, or they’ll hide their accidents, and lots more.)
2. Teach your little one to count out the number of toilet paper squares you have decided are best for use. Why? Because otherwise you’re getting the kid who uses one square or the one who has made it his mission to flush ALL the toilet paper.
4. The wet wipes are a dream to help kids really do a better job wiping their bum. Keep some close by for them. Maybe put some colorful stickers on them so they are reminded.
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5. Explain why it’s so important to be clean in their private areas. They can feel sore or itchy or both. At bath time please remember it’s not enough to just have the kiddo sit in a tub to get clean. Teach them how to bathe their privates properly. (Just imagine if all you did to keep clean was sit in a tub of water every day. Umm…no!)
6. Hand-washing is a priority here. Soap they like should be within reach of the sink in the bathroom. Teach them to sing Happy Birthday to Germs while they wash their hands so that they don’t go to quickly.
7. Watch for signs they are having some trouble. You’ll probably see some dirty undies, or your kids will start to pull and scratch at their bottoms.
8. Be cool about this. Seriously. Don’t freak out. Don’t insult. Don’t be short-tempered. This is something we all had to learn and it can be challenging for kiddos. If your otherwise healthy 40 year-old still needs you to clean his bottom, then we can talk panic.
Trouble down there: 7 common reasons for your kid’s discomfort
What tips do you have? What challenges have you faced and how did you overcome them?
Sher Bailey has been a dedicated voice for the Love and Marriage blog for over a decade, sharing practical advice on everything from stretching a grocery budget to finding the best homeschooling resources. She writes from the unique perspective of a full-time traveler, living and working on the road in her motorhome alongside her husband and their two cats. Sher’s diverse body of work is fueled by her belief that with the right tools and a little creativity, any challenge can be turned into an opportunity for growth and adventure.
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