My kid is dirty - Page 3

[Mom2Joseph]

Originally Posted by mummy marja

3 yr olds do not stink like grown men. He doesn't smell. I'm pretty sure that by the time he is 4 or 5, he will be ok with having a bath again. He'll probably shower twice a day when he's 15. Right now he just doesn't have any motivation.

I'm going to slowly get him used to baths again, and leave off hair washing for a while. That's the worst for him.

Thanks for all the understanding and been-there stories!

You haven't met my kids then! Seriously, we live in FL, my kids play outside, in the dirt, and they get NASTY. I mean it. FUNKY.

My DS has sensory issues, much of them with water. He has is terrified of his face getting wet so washing his face is difficult. Washing his hair is next to impossible.

Here are some creative ideas that have helped us:

Calling it "playing in the bubbles" instead of a bath

secretly washing them in the kiddie pool during the summer (love this one!)

Offerning a shower or "wipe down" and other options

letting them play with the hose outside

"swimming" with daddy in the big pool


When DS is *very* resistant, I'm willing to let it go a day or two if he isn't filthy. However, if he is truly filthy, then I coax him in, make it fast, and get him out. Being vaguely clean is not negotiable, just like being in a car seat while in the car is non-negotiable.

I have to agree with MPJJ on a many of the points she states. Also, how do YOU feel when you are dirty for long periods of time? Gross! I don't want my children growing up feeling comfortable with being dirty. Also, at this age, they are not capable of cleaning themselves thoroughly after toileting so this too is a health and hygiene issue.

Last, but not least, consistently dirty children become cause for concern to others and I do not want anyone calling CPS on me for neglect because my kids are dirty and don't want to bathe.

I feel this is an issue where some common sense needs to prevail. It can be handled gently and with respect, but at some point it has to happen, and on a regular basis.

[CarrieMF]

Oily hair is more likely to become infected with lice.

not true. Lice prefer clean hair.

[chrysalis]

my dd is 5 now and she has never taken very 'regular' baths. partly my fault (mostly probably) for not having a bath time routine...its kind of whenever...if she isn't stinky i don't push it but if she is (usually just vaginal/butt stank) then i'll get her in there. if she is very resistent still, i'll just wipe her w/ some baby wipes. she really enjoys it if i get in the bath w/ her but in our new place our tub isn't as big as our other place's tub.

funny, i was just thinking that i need to get a routine for this cuz its so 'whenever'. she also hates me brushing her hair, even if its only w/ the what we call 'gentle brush' made of boars bristles. i also haven't been pushing her to brush her teeth and she now insists she is not going to the dentist ever again. ugh. so i don't make her. but i'm beginning to think this is not a good idea as she thinks she runs the show in everything...she will argue til the cows come home. i think maybe i've been tooooo lenient?

[Mom2Joseph]

Originally Posted by chrysalis

it but if she is (usually just vaginal/butt stank) then i'll get her in there.

:

That was the funniest thing I heard all day!

Seriously though...if your DD really doesn't even brush anymore, get ready for some very painful, and *expensive* trips to the pediatric dentist. I read an incredibly fantastic post on MDC once about the whole brushing teeth thing and it just rocked. This mama thought is was just soo important and really got her kids into it. I loved it. Made me more consistent about dental health care in our house.

[bwylde]

Originally Posted by CarrieMF

not true. Lice prefer clean hair.

Yeah that.

DD never stinks. She has the most perfect, softest skin ever and the prettiest curly hair with no problems in regards to our cleaning methods. I've grown up with people of poor hygiene who grew up to be the cleanest people you have ever seen. This is definitely a ymmv situation but I am not going to force DD into a traumatic situation just to get her clean when she isn't really dirty.