Parenting
My children are incredibly affectionate, and I absolutely adore their touchy-feely ways. It fills my heart with joy, especially when they offer comforting gestures like stroking my face. Just a few months ago, I was feeling a bit down, and my sweet 5-year-old, with her concerned expression, gently placed her tiny hand on my cheek and said, “It’s OK, Mama, I love you.”
However, I quickly recoiled. A familiar, unpleasant odor assaulted my senses — the unmistakable smell of a child’s backside! What should have been a touching moment turned into a startling realization that her hand had been in less-than-desirable places.
This moment was a turning point for me. From then on, I vowed that my kids’ lovely little hands would not touch my face again without a thorough hand-washing or at least a sniff test. Here are five reasons why:
- Potential Germs: If your child is between the ages of 0 and 8, there’s a good chance their hands harbor some unsavory substances. The worst culprit? You guessed it — poop. It can be lurking in the most unexpected places, like under their fingernails. For the love of all that is holy, avoid the temptation to sniff any dark substances under those nails; you’ll regret it.
- Mucus Mayhem: Nose picking is a rite of passage for both kids and adults. However, children tend to take it to another level with their less-than-stellar hygiene habits. If you let little Emma lovingly pat your face with her sticky hands, you may be inadvertently applying a homemade mucus mask.
- Exploration Gone Wrong: Kids are naturally curious and love to explore their bodies. While this is perfectly normal, it does raise concerns about what they might have touched before offering you affection. A quick sniff of those hands can save you from a face full of unpleasant surprises.
- Food Residue: You might think this one isn’t too bad, but have you ever witnessed a group of kindergarteners during lunch? It’s a wild scene! Little hands have been known to smear everything from yogurt to lunch meat, and the lingering smells can be quite off-putting. Trust me, you do not want to experience the aroma of dried yogurt on your face.
- Nature’s Discoveries: Kids have an uncanny ability to find the most bizarre things outside — from slimy worms to who-knows-what. My 5-year-old has a knack for cradling every creature she discovers, and I can’t help but worry about what germs might be lingering on her hands. In these instances, a sniff test won’t help, so I prefer to keep my face out of reach until those hands have been thoroughly washed.
I hope this serves as a friendly reminder to all you loving adults who enjoy cuddling with those adorable little hands. While some may argue their kids are cleaner than mine, we all know that snot and boogers do not discriminate. To avoid an unfortunate game of Russian Roulette with icky surprises, make sure to wash and sniff as needed. Trust me, your face will thank you.
For more insights on home insemination, you might want to check out this helpful resource. Additionally, if you’re on a fertility journey, Make a Mom offers excellent guidance. And for more information about our blog, visit this link.
Summary:
In this lighthearted yet informative piece, I share the reasons why I don’t let my children touch my face. From potential germs and food residues to their curious explorations, the risks are too high to ignore. The article serves as a friendly warning to fellow parents about the hidden dangers that come with affectionate gestures from our little ones.