Mouse House Mama
Luckiest Mommy in the World!!!
- Joined
- Aug 28, 2004
- Messages
- 11,865
Because of this one issue you are assuming that the OP has never disciplined her child? Some of us prefer to pick our battles and do not want to raise obedient drones. Blind obedience is not what everyone views as successful parenting. And sometimes kids need to learn natural consequences, like maybe losing her friends because of her hair. You can tell you own kid they stink until they cows come home, but the impact doesn't hit them until a peer says it most times. Having unwashed hair is not unhealthy, it's just gross. Head lice has nothing to do with how often you wash your hair. It's spread by head to head contact.
Nobody is saying the OP has never disciplined her child but we are saying that if she hasn't then now is the time to start. Hygeine is not something that a child needs to learn the natural consequences of. Not that I am singling you out or do I know if you are this way so don't take it personal, but I am sick and tired of parents letting little Mary and Johnny be their own person and do what they feel is good for them. They are children and need guidance and boundaries. That is not blind obedience. We explain the reasons behind our choices. Our children are very independent and have their own minds and we encourage that, but that doesn't mean it is a free for all because we don't want to stifle them. Sometimes you can beat to a different drum but there are times when you have to follow the band as well. Teaching children hygiene is teaching them to have respect for themselves and a sense of self worth. We aren't talking about forcing them to learn origami. Part of preparing your kids for the world is teaching them life skills. Bathing is a neccessitie. (sp?) It's great to let kids find their own way in alot of situations but I am sorry to say that too many parents don't want to act like a parent. They want to be friends. Then people will wonder why we have such a selfish society. These kids never learn that their actions have an effect on others. This child not bathing is making the rest of the family ill. I don't think this is an issue at all. You must bathe. Period.