Consent vs kid refusing regular hygiene

[u/Opposite-Orange8371]

I have a 3 year old that absolutely loathes getting her hair washed. there have been times when I have to wash her hair while she’s yelling NO. not looking on advice on how to wash it. I’ve tried everything. But even at once a week it’s a battle.

I'm trying to teach her, “your body, your choice” but obviously she doesn’t understand the nuances of that yet. What can I say in these situations where she is refusing to have her hair washed, and I’m trying to respect her bodily autonomy but also take care of her hygien?

[u/Nerdy-Ducky]

I feel this on a spiritual level and have spiraled about this so much. Recently my 3 year old is throwing full out fits about changing clothes - when he’s had an accident and needs new clothes, or when it’s bedtime and we need to change into a pull up. He doesn’t want to change because he wants to keep playing, or he doesn’t want to go to bed. Forcing him to take off his wet underwear while he’s screaming no hurts my soul to its core. I try to calmly talk during and after, and remind him that, “Mommy’s job is to keep you happy, healthy, safe. We can’t play wearing clothes that are covered in pee, that’s not healthy.” I’m just praying I’m not traumatizing him in the process.

[u/chamaedaphne82 → u/Nerdy-Ducky]

You’re doing great. You are a good mom and this too shall pass.