Washing hands problem

[autochick]

my 4yr dd has trouble remembering to clean herself and wash her hands after she goes to the bathroom. I have tried doing it for her, but I think she is old enough now to do it on her own.

I just cant seem to get her to remember to do it. I thought about putting a picture of her washing her hands on the back of the door so she will see it before she leaves the bathroom.

so if you have any suggestions that would be great.

I hope this doesnt gross anyone out.

 

[monkeyboy]

 

[missyc]

The sign on the door sounds like a good idea.
Maybe try some of that foam soap to make it fun. It would cost me a fortune though since my kids just like to play with it.
We just had the talk again about all the things they need to do to wash good enough and long enough. Mine also carry that hand sanitizer with them at school, they like it too.

 

[piratesmate]

When DD started doing this, I just went back to following her to the bathroom & standing there with her. Seeing me was enough to make her stop & do it. After a bit, I'd just stand nearby to make sure I was hearing "appropriate sounds". Once she was consistently wiping her bottom correctly, I just went back to asking if she'd washed her hands - and send her back if she hadn't.

For us, it wasn't forgetting - she was just in a hurry to get back to playing.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Yep, go back to standing over her till it becomes a habit. It will, it just takes some time creating it. Pretty soon they do it without even thinking about it.

Foam soaps and signs will get her started.

 

[autochick]

thank you for the help, I hope I can break her of this soon.

I tried explaining why it is so important that she keeps clean and washes her hands.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

4 year olds really don't understand the explanations of handwashing. They do understand I have to do it because it is "The Rules" of the house.

 

[MAC3]

This time of the year I always have hand sanitizer in the bathroom as well. Not that it should be a substitution for washing her hands but at the very least it's something.

 

[SnowAngel]

My 9 and 7yos still forget though I constantly remind them. Some good ideas. I also carry a small bottle of santizer around

 

[Spinning]

I think this is typical for most kids! One way that I found helped I bought interesting soap. From the body and bath store you can buy kid smelling soap that comes out as foam. Another great thing I found but now have such a hard time, soap with little toys or snow globes inside. First kid to get to the center got the prize! Luckily it does take a long time and they weren't allowed to dig for it! LOL!

 

[liznboys]

Originally posted by Spinning
I think this is typical for most kids! One way that I found helped I bought interesting soap. From the body and bath store you can buy kid smelling soap that comes out as foam. Another great thing I found but now have such a hard time, soap with little toys or snow globes inside. First kid to get to the center got the prize! Luckily it does take a long time and they weren't allowed to dig for it! LOL!

My 5 yr old has become lazy about washing his hands lately, he does it but it's lightening speed...wet hands for 2 seconds then dry. Anyway, thanks for the idea...fun soaps!!!!

 

[NMAmy]

I used to have to nag DD incessantly to wash her hands. One day, I finally asked her why she wouldn't do it and she replied, "It makes my hands feel soft and I hate it." I couldn't figure out what the heck THAT meant and finally realized that she meant dry not soft. Once I got her some lotion to put on immediately after she'd washed them, I never had a problem again.