What Kids Think

Looking inside your child's head may help you understand how you can help.

Kids don't care about hygiene the way parents do.

Many kids may not see the point of washing (or even wiping) well. Their business is play. Time spent washing hands (and even going to the bathroom) may just get in the way.

Kids don't think about this very much.

In fact, your child just might not be thinking about washing or wiping at all. What he is thinking is, "Let's get this over with, I'm hungry for lunch!" Or, "I just want to play with my friends!"

Kids typically don't notice they haven't wiped well, until it's too late.

Kids typically don't notice they haven't wiped well, until it's too late. Some may still be new to the wiping process. Others may just be in a rush to get back to class. But the problem is they may not realize that they didn't get fully clean until later in the day when they notice skin irritation and itching. Then, your child might be thinking, "I'm embarrassed to tell." Or your child might not notice it at all, if it's simply a case of slightly soiled underpants. (But you'll notice later on…)

Kids may not be comfortable with the school sink or toilet.

While most school sinks and toilets are built to size, some kids may be uncomfortable with certain features. The sink or urinal might be too high, and the faucets might be different from the ones at home, causing discomfort or embarrassment. Or, it simply may seem unfamiliar. Your child might be thinking, "The water in the faucet is too hot and I can't turn it on by myself."

Refusing to take a bath might mean that your child wants more of your help.

Sometimes kids who have learned to wash on their own become resistant because they still want your company, even if they don’t need your help. Your child might be thinking, “I miss the way we used to play in the bath, so I won’t get in!”