Welcome to the Home Insemination Kit advice column, where our team of so-called “experts” answers all your burning questions about life, love, body image, friendships, parenting, and everything else that might be puzzling you.
This Week’s Topic: When Does a Child Get Too Big for a Parent to Assist with Wiping?
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Recently, I was chatting with some mom friends, and a couple of them were venting about how poorly their kids were managing wiping themselves, resulting in laundry full of messes. I didn’t chime in because I felt outnumbered, but I have to admit…I still wipe my child’s bottom, and she’s almost five. I don’t think that’s weird? Since she’s not in preschool or daycare due to the pandemic, I suppose I just kept doing it? My friends’ kids apparently have been doing it solo since they were potty-trained, which seems wild to me. Am I the only one still wiping my big kid?
First of all, can I just say that this is the most charming “problem” I’ve encountered? I absolutely adore issues like this!
Now, as for feeling strange about continuing to assist with wiping, you’re not out of the ordinary. As you mentioned, you’ve stuck with it because there hasn’t been a reason to stop. Every child develops at their own pace, and honestly, I’ve yet to meet a two-year-old who can wipe effectively. The fact that your friends are doubling their laundry efforts suggests their kids aren’t exactly mastering cleanliness either.
If there’s no pressing reason for you to stop, it’s perfectly fine to start teaching your daughter how to wipe herself properly. If she’s anything like my kid, she may be a bit squeamish about mess but will likely do a decent job overall. Just keep a tally of how many squares to use (5-6 squares, depending on the brand), show her the right technique, and set her on the path to independence. If she’s heading to school this fall, knowing how to wipe will be essential.
Don’t let the label of being the “Butt-Wiping Mom” get you down. Embrace it! So far, you’re avoiding any messy stains, and because your daughter is accustomed to good hygiene, she’ll probably keep it up herself!
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Search Queries:
- How to teach kids to wipe themselves
- Signs your child is ready to wipe independently
- Tips for potty training
- Best practices for child hygiene
- When to stop helping with wiping
In summary, you’re not alone in your approach. It’s completely normal to assist your child with wiping, especially given the circumstances. As she grows, gradually teaching her how to manage this on her own will be beneficial for her independence.