So, now that they're potty-trained, how do you explain to them the best way to wipe? Cuz they be coming home with some stank bum-bums. I have two girls, and I try my hardest to show them at home how to wipe properly, fully, from all the way in the front to all the way in the back. Are there any ways that have worked for you to demonstrate or explain the best wiping method? Or do you just do major damage control in the evenings?
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Love to hear suggestions. We're still working on not using the same TP for the front that you just used in the back! Gah!
Posted by: Kat | March 17, 2006 at 01:56 AM
Ohmigod I can't believe you've postted this! I have been wondering about this forever. Are you reading my mind Olivia? For us, for now, I am the wiper so I've got control (ha ha I think it's pretty obvious that my 2 1/2 y.o. is really the one with control in this family) but now I realize I've got to teach her how to do it also.
Posted by: Blair | March 17, 2006 at 03:39 PM
One of my parenting mantras (and there are so many) is: "wipe from the top down" accompanied by demonstrative hand gesturing. But I have yet to see my two daughters (4 and 3.5) do it correctly. Maybe I am not being specific enough?
Posted by: Zoe | March 17, 2006 at 04:29 PM
I have a friend with two older kids that insists that it's impossible for kids to become proficient butt wipers until they reach 5-6. Her reasoning is that their arms just aren't long enough and they don't have the coordination ... can't vouch for that yet. Luke is 3-1/2 and we're working on getting him to pull up/down his pants/undies by himself. Any hints?
Posted by: Lisa R | March 17, 2006 at 09:15 PM
Um, I tend to agree with Lisa (Lisa's friend), I'm afraid. At least, that has been our experience around here. Sigh. You think you're done with the poop when they potty train...alas, there's still a ways to go.
Posted by: Asha | March 20, 2006 at 08:59 PM
Recently, I noticed that what Lisa's friend says seems to be true. Our 5-1/2 year old is becoming a better wiper, but the 2-1/2 year old simply cannot reach! So, now that she's potty-trained, I guess we just wait. Another 3 years?
Posted by: olivia | March 28, 2006 at 08:48 PM
Can someone please tell me how to motivate my 3 yr old son to try and wipe his own bum?? I have ran out of ideas.
Posted by: Katheryn | March 29, 2006 at 09:23 AM
I have two girls - a 5 year old and a 3 year old. The 3 year old will wipe herself (improperly) after she urinates, but not after a BM. However, the 5 year old will wipe (improperly) when she urinates, but properly when she has a BM. This is a problem because she displays the symptons of a bladder infection because she's not wiping properly. So she'll go pee 5 or 6 times in an hour. It doesn't hurt, but she said it's a very hot pee. HOW DO I TEACH HER TO WIPE PROPERLY?? Any suggestions!?
Posted by: Laryssa | September 04, 2008 at 01:01 PM
I have an adopted 16 year old female with FAS/PDD-NOS,Mild MR,,,,and she still does not understand wiping front to back or top to bottom, therefore , gets urinary tract infections. Searched books, for special needs, and normal children for some type of reminder, that is not too difficult for her, and she just does not understand! School does not have any suggestions either.
Posted by: J B | January 26, 2010 at 06:36 AM
hi my girl is 6.... and i constantly tell her that she HAS to wipe... I've even gone to the extent to show "std"s as what could happen if she doesnt wipe... she still doesnt and i smell her everday. maybe its an OCD from me.... but what can i do?? I'm so lost
Posted by: chris | May 13, 2011 at 12:15 AM
My 4 y.o. has had a few episodes of an irritated "sore" vulva that seems to be from not wiping after she pees. So we talk about that as a consequence of not wiping, and it seems to have made an impression. We still wipe her bottom after poop though (and often finish with a wet wipe since she doesn't bathe daily). Very recently she's tried doing it herself and went back to front, very messy-- frankly, I'd rather do it until she's a little older and more skilled/aware of getting clean! So no good suggestions, other than being resigned to wiping her for awhile longer...
Posted by: Elle | May 13, 2011 at 01:18 PM
Smells can be a sign of infection (inside or out) so bring them to the Dr. We have to wipe them until they are old enough (varies by child) to do it properly bu themselves and remember to do it. I remind her and instruct her and show her and let my daughter try (and therefore get practice) then i do it after just to be sure :) I agree that the little ones dont have the coordination, dexterity, knowledge or physical or cognitive ability to wipe properly until about 5. Mines 3 :)
Posted by: Freespirit | September 10, 2012 at 03:51 PM
to my shame, I have a 7 year old girl who swears she can't wipe herself! I still do it cause I cant stand the thought of her not being clean. But in school she tries, but not very well. so she comes home raw alot of the days. Im wondering how long this will go on!!!
Posted by: bridget | October 05, 2012 at 11:21 AM
Wow, I never knew this was an issue. My problem is getting a 12-year-old to remember to flush the toilet. He just "can't" remember.
Posted by: ED | October 05, 2012 at 04:32 PM
Bridget, have you ever tried keeping wet wipes by the toilet for her to clean with? My mom did that when we were kids until we were old enough to be embarassed about our friends seeing them there. It wouldn't help with school, but it might take away her having to have mom wipe at home...also, maybe you can work on her diet and schedule so that her "poop time" is when she is at home. I know my daughter poops every night, conveniently at bed time when I am rallying to get her ready for bed. I am sure you can look on the internet to find ways to work on this...
Posted by: Debby | October 05, 2012 at 05:12 PM