Toddler ISSUES
Kids are dirty. The play on the floor, roll in dirt, pick up ants and often don’t even notice when a their faces are a veritable artist’s palate.
One of the all-too common, all-too joked about stomach-turning habits of toddlers is … NOSE PICKING.
The average 2-3 year old toddler is just curious about his body and what comes out of it. You can encourage frequent nose-blowing to try and ward off any mining. Also, you can correct these gross personal-grooming habits by reminding kids that this isn’t clean and they should use a tissue and possibly do it in the bathroom rather than at the table. During a family dinner. With your in-laws. They will outgrow this behavior, it just takes time.
Often, toddles will also refuse to bathe and wash their hands. Getting dirty is fun and not really a big deal to kids. We, the parents are the one who know about germs and colds and dirt and bacteria. However, a little dirt usually won’t hurt anyone but not washing before eating or after using the toilet can become an actual health concern. You can battle this behavior by making a fun time of getting clean. Kids like choices. They like to make their own decisions and effect their own lives. Give them options, “Do you want to wash in the kitchen or in the bathroom?” Also, splurge on the sudsy foamy-bubbles antibacterial kid soaps. This should encourage them to clean up a little bit. But again, you are the parent and you must remind them what is best and override their desire for dirt when you know that being clean is a must.
August 22nd, 2008 at 1:00 pm
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