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Original poster

CM CLUB - How do you broach parents about lack of hygiene?

36 replies

LoveMyGirls · 26/11/2007 13:10

I have tried lots of subtle hints, bathing mindee myself (because I can no longer stand the stench) I really wouldn't say anything if it wasn't really bad, how can i very very politly broach this?

I don't want to keep bathing mindee as feel its not my place. Mum seems totally oblivious and claims mindee is bathed daily (not possible)

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SweetSnowflake · 26/11/2007 14:07

yes say you are concerned about the smell and that it is unusual even for a baby in nappies and that you would suggest she visit gp for check up to rule out water infection as her child must be very uncomfortable?..hope it works poor lamb

Original poster
LoveMyGirls · 26/11/2007 14:03

I'll try asking if mum will take mindee to gp's seems like that will be the least offensive way to bring it up..........

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CranberryMartini · 26/11/2007 14:03

My son has a bath once a week and he's in nappies (19mo). He doesn't smell. There must be a physical reason for the smell.

SweetSnowflake · 26/11/2007 14:02

aw LMG..poor tot!

think you ahve to be blunt TBH..ask to speak to mum and tell her you are concerned about her dd and wonder if she may have a urine infection being that she smells so strong of it?
does mum use wipes to change her bottom?, one of my occasioanl mindee mums doesnt and she doesnt smell too clean, but not stinky IYSWIM..if you are bathing, mum wont click and think oh better abth dd tonight as she's been done, tell her you have had to abth her several times due to the strong smell and risk of soreness for her dd!..you really do need to get straight to the point with her, hard i know!

Lazycow · 26/11/2007 13:58

LMG

If a child is 2 years old he really shouldn't smell this bad even if he isn't bathed every day. Lots of children this young don't get a bath every day and don't smell.

Is there any chance this child has a urine infection or something else that makes the wee smell so strong?

Original poster
LoveMyGirls · 26/11/2007 13:49

No everything else is ok at the minute. I have had other concerns in the past and have alerted professionals to help.

I don't think mindee is neglected, infact is very loved I think this is a case of standards not being the same as mine, i have always bathed my kids everyday as much for routine as hygiene but I know some people only bath their children every other day.

Think this child has quite strong urine and the lack of hygiene makes that alot worse plus the fact mindee is in nappies all the time doesnt help. I do think that if a child wears a nappy they should be bathed daily and have some air and freedom unless they have skin conditions.

Just need to know how to broach it with mum without sounding like I dont think her care is good enough and offending her but also getting the point across that mindee needs to be bathed much more often not just mindee needs a bath today.

OP posts:
chel86 · 26/11/2007 13:45

How awful for the mindee. I don't know what to suggest really.

If the mother says that she baths the child every day, then can you play on that? Instead of saying that you don't believe her, maybe tell her that you're concerned about the mindee because they do have a strong odour which they shouldn't have if the mindee is bathed daily, and maybe the mother should consult their GP?

This way the mother will have to do something about it. You've pointed it out to her and your concerns and she will hopefully start taking more care of her child's hygiene. Or if she really is bathing the child every day, then she will have to take her chid to the GP. This approach should hopefully prevent any arguments, although she might be a bit embarassed, but at least it would hopefully kick start her!

HTH

CranberryMartini · 26/11/2007 13:37

This can be a sign of neglect - have you got any other worries?

Original poster
LoveMyGirls · 26/11/2007 13:19

Yeh I've got written permission.

child is 2.

I don't know if its lack of wiping properly, not using wipes at all or not bathing often enough or if mindee just has very very strong smelling urine or a combination. All i do know is that I try to avoid smelling and its so strong it disgusts me.

I've cared for quite a few children now and this is the only one i've had this issue with so not like it's because mindee is not my child iyswim?

I feel awful, I really don't want to say anything but this has been going on fro ages and no amount of hints are helping.

OP posts:
BoysAreLikeReindeer · 26/11/2007 13:16

LMG how awful for the mindee.

I really dont know what to say.

Is it a 'wiping' type of issue ?

Do you have any other concerns about this child?

(please make sure that you have written permission to bath the child)

Lazycow · 26/11/2007 13:13

How old is the child?