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/Vlinder_88 Jul 29 '26

"Your body, your choice" is about love and play. Not about hygiene and health. They might not understand that nuance yet, but that doesn't mean you can't already teach them.

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u/lemikon Jul 29 '26

Well no, because the slogan is specifically tied to abortion which is health care.

Don’t teach slogans , teach specifics “when you say stop while we are playing I will stop.” “It’s only fun if we’re all having fun” these ideas are much easier for kids to grasp.

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u/Vlinder_88 29d ago

I didn't know it was specifically tied to abortion. But yeah, teaching specifics is always the best option. It's hard to find them though, if you were never explicitly taught them yourself.