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AIBU?

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Original poster

To expect my son to wash his hands when he gets in?

294 replies

Whyareyousoannoying · 28/01/2025 17:45

Ds 16yo has been at work or college, come home on public transport.

Aibu to expect him to wash his hands upon arriving home before he starts touching everything especially the fridge, food, cups etc. he will walk straight in and start going in the fridge making a drink not washing his hands.

When I ask him he shouts at me and calls me a germ phobe.

Everyone else in the house manages to wash their hands when they get in.

OP posts:
MotherOfCats25 · 28/01/2025 17:57

Unless there's a immuno compromised person in the house, YABU.

Jazzabel · 28/01/2025 17:57

Probably a bit over the top. Not everything in the world is going to kill you and it’s good to have some germs to build up a tolerance.

I only really wash my hands after being out in public if I’ve been walking round a supermarket with a trolley. They just feel grimy to me. Not sure if they actually are or if it’s a mental thing with me.

MumChp · 28/01/2025 17:56

Ponderingwindow · 28/01/2025 17:54

We have an immune compromised person in our home. This is a hill I will die on. We immediately wash our hands when we enter the house. We also use hand sanitizer every time we get back into the car.

Turns it into a must do. Even a 16 yo should understand that.

Boomer55 · 28/01/2025 17:54

Nope. Not sure why he’d need to wash his hands.🤷‍♀️

Ponderingwindow · 28/01/2025 17:54

We have an immune compromised person in our home. This is a hill I will die on. We immediately wash our hands when we enter the house. We also use hand sanitizer every time we get back into the car.

Anywherebuthere · 28/01/2025 17:53

Wouldnt bother me. As long as hands are washed after going toilet or before food prep its fine.

AlbertCamusflage · 28/01/2025 17:52

I don't think it is particularly necessary for him to do this. However, since he knows it upsets you, it would be kind of him to fit in with your concerns.

It depends how you ask him. If you make out he is unhygienic not to do this then YABU. If you just say 'please indulge me in this; it would make me feel less anxious' then YANBU

Midnightlove · 28/01/2025 17:51

Ok I get my son to was his hands after school (he's 6) before getting his snack. But then I am a germ phone so who knows

MadmansLibrary · 28/01/2025 17:51

I think you're being a bit OTT, but I get that this is a requirement in your household so he could perhaps be respectful of that.

Createausername1970 · 28/01/2025 17:51

It's good practice.

But it never crosses my mind to wash my own hands when I get home, let alone insist anyone else does.

TheAirfryerQueen · 28/01/2025 17:50

I don't tend to. My 18yo does, but I put that down to a legacy of the pandemic.

I wash my hands before cooking, and after going to the loo, all the usual things.

Edited for typos.

Snackler · 28/01/2025 17:50

Wash hands after toilet. That's it. Very healthy here.
(Also if preparing food for people who aren't my family, in case they're germophobes and get sick easily).

TethersMiddle · 28/01/2025 17:49

YANBU

ElderLemon · 28/01/2025 17:49

I'm 60, and have had 60 years of excellent health. Take about one sick day every 4 or 5 years. My son at 16 has never ever had a vomiting bug. And I mean never.

MumChp · 28/01/2025 17:48

Is it a hill to die on?

DUsername · 28/01/2025 17:48

Not something that would bother me at all. I wash hands after using the toilet and before prepping food but that's it.

Ziga · 28/01/2025 17:48

I wouldn’t even think about this

ElderLemon · 28/01/2025 17:47

Never wash my hands when I get in, no-one in my house does, we never get ill. It's a personal preference in my view.

JMKid · 28/01/2025 17:47

Wouldn’t bother me at all if my DS didn’t!! I don’t myself either.

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