So my sweet girl is going to be starting school next Monday! Im very excited for her, and she is too. But we have one issue......*drum roll* She is 3, and she does not know how to wipe herself after a bowel movement. It is just too complicated for her, and I think she is afraid to get dirty fingers. I really want to teach her how to do this, so that when she goes to school she can remain clean. I do not want her to hold her bowels, because I know this is really bad for the digestive system.... I believe it is an Arizona law that a child cannot be taken care of in that way by another adult without the guardian's permission. I think people are just afraid to get sued or whatever... So tell me your toilet paper training experiences. Got any tips? My daughter is already potty trained, and has not problem cleaning up after a pee, its just that pesky #2!
Though I am pregnant with my first child, I helped my exroom mate potty train her daughter. And she had the SAME exact problem. She didn't want dirty fingers. She didn't like using regular toilet paper, so we bought the moist kind that was flushable. Like babywipes, but for bigger kids. And if that doesn't help any, you can always resort to buying some little gloves for her to wear when wiping. It'll ensure her that her little hands won't get messy or stinky. My brother is mentally challenged, and because of his syndrome, he cannot reach to wipe himself (his arms ar much to short to reach around). We've had many problems with schooling for him to ensure that he got proper hygenic care. We used to send an extra pair of clothing, and he had someone go to school with him that we knew very well because no one at the school wanted to do it. (They are always scared of being sued, but you can always look at it in a bright light and know that you won't have to deal with any creeps!) Although, it might be harder for you to have someone allowed to assist your daughter that isn't staffed by the school that it was for my parents, there's always the last resort try.
What about teaching her, that getting hands dirty is very rarely the case, and that it's not that big a deal? And that this is what washing hands after toilett is for? (No matter weather there is #2 on one's hands or not. Until school starts you can help her, do it by herself so she doesn't get dirty. Also, wet toiletpaper is a great alternative, since it's so much cleaner and gentler.
My daughter is such a virgo. So I do not put it in her head that it is shameful, or dirty. She is just very neat, and particular about her environment. I can't imagine her putting on gloves! LOL She is only 3, and she would be fumbling in the bathroom for hours... I will get some babywipes, and speak with her teacher. For now, I am encouraging her the best I can. I saw some cool babywipes called Kandoo at the store the other day...I might get those for her.
I know this sounds gross, but, maybe you could show her how, you dont actually have to do a movement, but just show her what to do. or wipe her bum for her, but hold her hand to do it. Show her a 'special' way of holding the paper so she doesnt get dirty hands. And reassure her that accidents happen and all she has to do is wash her hands thoroughly. I can see how this must be an issue for you. Wish I could help more.
The Kandoo wipes or something similar are great! We had the same problem with my son, and we got him those and he does it by himself...only problem now is that if he runs out and I havent' bought a new pack of them THEN he insists he can't wipe himself, until I remind him that he does it all the time, that he just has to pay more attention to what he does. Now he does great!
