How does your 4 hear old manage toilet hygiene?

[Saffagette]

My DS turned 4 last April. He started reception in September, all is well. He is fully potty-trained, out of nappies day and night since he was 3. Over the summer he got pretty good at wiping after a poo. We'd just keep an eye, but could often leave him to it with no problem. However since starting school he's regressed a bit and nearly never cleans himself without getting a little poo on his hands (& therefore on the loo roll, the toilet seat, the shelf, the bath, etc). So a hospital-grade hand wash ensues, followed by a disinfect of the bathroom and a boring lecture from me about poo germs etc, through which he definitely now zones out. He also often forgets to wash his hands after going, which was never a problem previously and that really bothers me. I'm thinking maybe his brain is overloaded with starting school and do keep reminding myself he's only 4 (he's very articulate so it's easy to forget sometimes)! But I worry a little about how clean he is at school. Poo stained underwear is one thing and doesn't worry me hugely, but the idea he could be spending the day passing bad bacteria around on his hands bothers me because I know they aren't supervised closely when going to the loo! I'd be interested in any thoughts...especially when it comes to helping him learn how to wipe effectively and hygienically, and any reassuring thoughts about how it works at school. I can't remember what it was like for me! Or should I just chill out for a few more months because he'll have the necessary motor and concentration skills eventually?

Merry Christmas and a happy new year by the way

Hi there.

It’s so difficult to comment on this as I feel that children are all so different and have their own ideas about toileting and hygiene. My ds1 (6) is excellent at flushing and hand washing because he has had it drilled in since out of nappies! I have continuously asked him have you flushed and washed literally every time he goes while at home and my parents are consistent when they have him.

DS2 (4) sometimes has the fear going to the toilet so he rushes which makes him forget sometimes. When I ask I him if he has washed he will have sometimes and sometimes will ask someone to go with him to wash.

I also have always asked them to wipe 3 times and shown them the best way to hold the toilet roll etc which seems to have helped.

It’s so hard, it also depends on how comfortable children are in their daily setting (school or nursery) and how much hygiene is discussed in these settings.

Hello and thanks so much for your reply!! Sorry for the late reply l, Christmas and NY got in the way. It has improved a little over the hols as I've been gently reminding him what to do though he does still occasionally forget to wash his hands. One question, how exactly did you teach your DC the best way to hold the toilet roll as that's definitely something mine struggles with. Thanks again! Really appreciate your time.