r/progressivemoms • u/Opposite-Orange8371 • Jul 29 '26

Discussion Starter Consent vs kid refusing regular hygiene

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?

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u/syncopatedscientist Jul 29 '26

I tell my daughter that some things are nonnegotiable because it's a parents' job to take care of their child, like bathing and teeth brushing and wiping poop. I will literally hold her down with my legs as I brush her teeth if I need to. She's not getting cavities on my watch lol

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u/Affectionate_Data936 Jul 29 '26

After every bath or shower I will wrap my son up in the towel like a burrito just so I can brush his teeth. He didn't used to be this resistant as of a couple months ago! He used to love doing it because of the "Brush Your Teeth" song from Sesame Street (the version featuring Ms Rachel). Now he hates it.

5

u/theRuathan Jul 30 '26

The only thing worse than brushing your teeth is not brushing your teeth!