How to Teach a Child to Wipe Properly After a Bowel Movement (Potty Training Tips)

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By StacyP
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Got the potty training blues?

Learning to do a proper wipe is not an easy task for some children who are potty training. The child may be hesitant to even try to wipe after a bowel movement because there’s a fear of getting messy. As a parent, you may initially sympathize with your potty training child. And of course you help out. But after a few months of being subjected to wiping that messy rear end, it’s time to get firm and teach your child how to wipe properly after a bowel movement.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

plastic doll
washable marker
toilet paper
wet wipes

Step 1

PLAY A GAME

This is no ordinary game—it’s a potty training game! Get a cheap plastic doll and use washable marker to create the appearance of a bowel movement on the doll’s rear end. With a piece of toilet paper, demonstrate how to wipe the area. Mark up the doll again and have your child do the honors this time.

Keep practicing until your child gets the hang of how to wipe up a ‘bowel movement’. Do not force this potty training game, though; this should be a fun learning activity.
Step 2

BATHROOM TIME

After learning the ropes of proper wiping on a doll, it’s time for your child to practice wiping their own bowel movements. Make this a positive experience. Stay calm and be patient. Have some wet wipes handy to make the wiping process easier for your child.

To ease fears of leaving behind a mess after wiping, let your child know that you’ll do a final check—and a wipe, if necessary. Potty training is a process, and your child may need you to do a ‘check and wipe’ after each bowel movement at first, but gradually those days will lessen.
Step 3

GRADUATION DAY

When your child is able to properly wipe after a bowel movement for the first time, a celebration is in order. Read a special book together, make an extra visit to the playground, or bake a cake. Whatever the celebration, make it something fun to mark this new period in your child’s life. Potty training graduation is worth a treat!