Parents reach new lows - I was asked to stop telling a child not to pick their nose!

[greenpea89]

First, GROSS!

Second, I would still speak with the Principal and school nurse. It's important for them to know as a "heads up" that this is the mother's philosophy because other parents may be concerned. Every study that I've ever read states that "boogers" contain the bacteria and germs that your nose hair filters from the air. Also, it can be dangerous particularly when he is excavating so deeply that he actually breaks the skin inside his nose because he is introducing the germs from his hands deep into his nasal cavity and infections in the nasal area are some of the most likely to spread to the brain. I'm pretty sure that "Doctor" she is referring to has been debunked.

However, it might be something that you can explain to him is best done in private if his mother still insists that she wants him to do this. Lots of things are "natural" but aren't for public consumption (pun intended) or viewing. Maybe it can be suggested that this is one of them. Also, be sure that kid washes his hands!

 

[The Princess]

That is so gross!!! I would still tell him not to pick his nose~its your classroom not hers. Just tell her that all the other kids are complaining. Ewwww

 

[golfgal]

I have to stop coming back to this post because everytime I read a new response I want to throw up--YUCK, YUCK, YUCK, YUCK, YUCK..

 

[luvmy3]

I'm amazed that the other children in the class haven't curtailed his immune building activities I remember having one bugger picking kid in school, and we were relentless.

I like the "just because it is OK at home, doesn't make right in class stance" It's OK to fart at home too, but doesn't make it right to rip one in public.

Me too, I mean once the other kids catch him in the act I figure the teasing would cause him to stop. If he's doing it as much as the OP says I can't believe its gone unnoticed by his peers.

I find it funny how many are totally grossed out, I mean yes its disgusting but its not like this is unprecedented, kids have been doing this kind of stuff forever. Now I could go into detail about what a girl in my class used to do, but if you guys are this grossed out by a kid eating boogies, you don't even want to know.

 

[mefordis]

Can't you set the rules in your own classroom? He can pick his nose but not in your classroom. That can be your rule. Right?

Yep, I have a nose picker in my class. Not only a picker, but a pick it out and eat it kid. When ever I catch it I gently remind the child to remove his finger and go wash his hands. The yesterday said child had his fingers up there again and his nose started to bleed. I send him off to be taken care of and cleaned up and when he gets back I tell him the reason it's bleeding is because he's picking it so often.

Yesterday at about four, I get a call. It's the child's mother advising me that her son is allowed to pick his nose and I shouldn't be telling him otherwise. When I point out that this is not a socially acceptable habit and that it's a very good way of spreading germs around (a hot topic with H1N1 still out there) she tells me that, and I quote, "picking your nose and eating it is a way of building up immunity. We encourage it."

Now, I have done some reading and there is at least one doctor out there who agrees with her. There are also some serious complications from continued picking that he fails to mention and there have been no actual studies done on eating up nose pickings...

I admit, I just sat on the other end of the phone speechless. I do feel having his little fingers up there and then touching things is unsafe and that mom's thoughts on immunity boosting by this method are questionable at best, and (to be frank) it's socially unacceptable!

Do I make an issue of this? What would you do and how far would you take it??

 

[MushyMushy]

Me too, I mean once the other kids catch him in the act I figure the teasing would cause him to stop. If he's doing it as much as the OP says I can't believe its gone unnoticed by his peers.

I find it funny how many are totally grossed out, I mean yes its disgusting but its not like this is unprecedented, kids have been doing this kind of stuff forever. Now I could go into detail about what a girl in my class used to do, but if you guys are this grossed out by a kid eating boogies, you don't even want to know.

Yeah kids do it and it's gross to think about, but it gets exponentially worse when you realize that it's sanctioned by the adults in the family and then you imagine a whole family of booger eaters.

 

[disykat]

I can visualize a kindergartener doing this, but does the mom who encourages it do it too?

 

[luvmy3]

Yeah kids do it and it's gross to think about, but it gets exponentially worse when you realize that it's sanctioned by the adults in the family and then you imagine a whole family of booger eaters.

I bet they don't get many dinner guests

 

[Just Jan]

Maybe you could have a Healthy Hero contest in your class. Use it as part of a Heath/Science strand. Encourage sanitary habits - Washing hands, using sanitizer, covering your mouth with your elbow (not hands) when you cough, sneezing into your elbow (not hands), using kleenex, having the school nurse or maybe a doctor come in to talk to the class, not sharing eating utensils/cups/boogers ....

agnes!

I think this is a good idea.
As a pp stated also speak with him in a very caring way in private, explaining the whole social thing and while it is ok in your home to do this it may not ne done in school and explain the whole germ and illness thing.
Or this kid will forever be known as Booger Head.

How will mom feel then when she over hears her child being called names and no one wanting tocome to a birthday party at his home.

 

[SDFgirl]

No advice, just ewwwww....

I teach too. Sorry you're dealing with this!!

 

[Rafiki31]

It is a scary world in which we live. There are people out there among us, and if this is her stance on boogers, I would hate to see/hear the rest of her parenting strategies. I hope she realizes her kid will always be known as booger kid for the rest of his life. There are a lot of less disgusting ways to boost immunity. Was she just kidding? There is no way she could be serious.

Ember, I would prob tell this parent that you need this in writing. I am so curious to see if she would write a letter saying that she thinks it is ok. Then have the school nurse/board of health have a looksie. They have to be able to put a stop to this for the greater good and health of the rest of the class. They need to back you up here.

I agree with the previous poster that said you should require this child to have their own "booger zone" of supplies, their own pencils, crayons, paper etc etc so that no one else needs to tocuh or share anything. I would also make this child constantly go wash their hands.

It is not fair to the other children to have this health risk in the class. It is so icky!!!!

 

[Sleepy]

I think this must be acceptable behavior in society around here. I actually see more adults picking in public than children. Thankfully, only one nose to mouth adult. I was so grossed out by her. My son and I were standing beside a bench at a bus stop. The bench was full and the lady on the end was next to me. I looked over at her and yes, she was going from nose to mouth. The man next to her was not phased. I see lots of car pickers too. My son refers to the picking as the "thumb technique" , because that is what they use. I refer to it as unsanitary and gross.

 

[Libby X 3]

Oh my and now I think I have heard it all. And on the Dis yet! OP sorry you have to deal with this.

 

[diznygirl]

I would try to get the principal on board with prohibiting this in my classroom. You could then send a note home to the teacher that nose-picking is not allowed in your classroom, and every time her son does it he will be sent to the principal. Let the mom stew on that for awhile.

You've got a weirdo on your hands!

 

[LuvOrlando]

It's a public health issue because he is using his hands, not a personal preference

I agree school nurse first then principal with the school nurse on your side. Some people are just too much.

 

[C.Ann]

Well I guess all the other students are lucky that he does it out in the open so that the teacher can remind him, because I'm sure picking and eating is and has been happening daily in classrooms all across America without ever causing a life threatening pandemic

That's right! What was I thinking?? I forgot we live in the world of "everyone else is doing it so it's okay"..

 

[zachnsamsmommy]

Yep, I have a nose picker in my class. Not only a picker, but a pick it out and eat it kid. When ever I catch it I gently remind the child to remove his finger and go wash his hands. The yesterday said child had his fingers up there again and his nose started to bleed. I send him off to be taken care of and cleaned up and when he gets back I tell him the reason it's bleeding is because he's picking it so often.

Yesterday at about four, I get a call. It's the child's mother advising me that her son is allowed to pick his nose and I shouldn't be telling him otherwise. When I point out that this is not a socially acceptable habit and that it's a very good way of spreading germs around (a hot topic with H1N1 still out there) she tells me that, and I quote, "picking your nose and eating it is a way of building up immunity. We encourage it."

Now, I have done some reading and there is at least one doctor out there who agrees with her. There are also some serious complications from continued picking that he fails to mention and there have been no actual studies done on eating up nose pickings...

I admit, I just sat on the other end of the phone speechless. I do feel having his little fingers up there and then touching things is unsafe and that mom's thoughts on immunity boosting by this method are questionable at best, and (to be frank) it's socially unacceptable!

Do I make an issue of this? What would you do and how far would you take it??

Are you sure you aren't my nephew's teacher? I can't stand to be at any family functions when they are in town b/c he does that all.the.time . He is in kindergarden, and they don't say anything to him. He does while he is in conversation with you, while everyone is eating...basically all the time.

Yup...it is so gross. My DS8 did that for a while...then was so teased about it that he quite very quickly once he started school.

I agree with all the PPs who suggested telling the mom that while it might be okay at home, it isn't at school. And reinforce the germ aspect and communal sharing.

 

[kangareaux]

Yep, I have a nose picker in my class. Not only a picker, but a pick it out and eat it kid. When ever I catch it I gently remind the child to remove his finger and go wash his hands. The yesterday said child had his fingers up there again and his nose started to bleed. I send him off to be taken care of and cleaned up and when he gets back I tell him the reason it's bleeding is because he's picking it so often.

Yesterday at about four, I get a call. It's the child's mother advising me that her son is allowed to pick his nose and I shouldn't be telling him otherwise. When I point out that this is not a socially acceptable habit and that it's a very good way of spreading germs around (a hot topic with H1N1 still out there) she tells me that, and I quote, "picking your nose and eating it is a way of building up immunity. We encourage it."

Now, I have done some reading and there is at least one doctor out there who agrees with her. There are also some serious complications from continued picking that he fails to mention and there have been no actual studies done on eating up nose pickings...

I admit, I just sat on the other end of the phone speechless. I do feel having his little fingers up there and then touching things is unsafe and that mom's thoughts on immunity boosting by this method are questionable at best, and (to be frank) it's socially unacceptable!

Do I make an issue of this? What would you do and how far would you take it??

Tell mom that there's always been a no eating rule in the classroom, regardless of choice of 'food'. And that the only 'medications' allowed at school are by Dr's prescription to be given in the office, or those that the parent comes to school to administer personally. Rules for her precious snowflake should be no different that for anyone else right?

 

[clovergirl5]

Does mom do this in public, at work, etc.?

 

[luvmy3]

That's right! What was I thinking?? I forgot we live in the world of "everyone else is doing it so it's okay"..

Well thats not exactly what I meant. You guys are talking about involving the school principal and the nurse over some kid picking his nose. I think thats going a bit too far over something that has and does happen all over schools without any kind of major outbreak of disease. I think the OP can continue to reiterate to the child that its not acceptable in school and make sure the kid's parents know to send in an ample supply of hand sanitizer and leave it at that, or like a pp said turn it into some kind of lesson for the students about good hygeine. I'm still curious as to what grade we are talking about here, anyone know?