In a social media post, a concerned father sought guidance on whether he was wrong for confronting his mother-in-law (MIL) about her disregard for his daughter’s hygiene.
The incident occurred when the original poster’s (OP) 4.5-year-old daughter, who was suffering from a stomach bug and experiencing diarrhea, required assistance in the bathroom. OP, working from home, intended to excuse himself from an online meeting but allowed his MIL to help instead.
However, when his daughter later revealed that her grandmother had wiped incorrectly and inadequately, OP intervened to rectify the situation.
Approaching his MIL in the kitchen, OP inquired about his daughter’s claim of improper wiping and shared his concerns about her developing an infection as a result. .
Astonishingly, his MIL dismissed his concerns, stating that a proper technique did not matter since his daughter did not possess a “real” vagina yet. According to her misguided beliefs, girls do not develop a functioning vagina until they reach their teenage years.
This inaccurate and perplexing statement left OP dumbfounded and infuriated. As he challenged her beliefs, the MIL got upset and left the house.
A Father’s Battle for His Daughter’s Well-being
As the news of this encounter spread on social media, users couldn’t help but express their disbelief and frustration.
One user aptly named IWantToBuyAVowel called out the MIL’s ignorance, remarking on the potential harm caused by such misconceptions.
The user questioned what other misguided beliefs she might hold, highlighting the need for comprehensive education and awareness.
Another user, EastPractice2616, voiced concerns about the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and bladder infections, stating,
“While a tiny human is not fully developed in terms of sexual organs, that doesn’t mean poop should be in there. That’s just gross.”
This user echoed the sentiment that the MIL’s lack of knowledge and negligence were not only repulsive but also potentially harmful to the child’s well-being.
While some users focused on the immediate issue at hand, others raised concerns about the MIL’s overall competence as a caregiver.
Jaxknitsandknits expressed a valid worry, suggesting that the MIL should no longer be entrusted with the responsibility of looking after any child.
The incident served as a stark reminder of the importance of vetting caregivers thoroughly and ensuring they possess the necessary knowledge and skills to provide proper care.
Denverdogmama couldn’t help but express astonishment at the MIL’s belief that infections only occur after puberty.
“Infections only happen after puberty is such a dumb take I’m shocked your wife made it to adulthood.”
This viewpoint demonstrates a gross misunderstanding of the human body and raises questions about how the MIL managed to navigate her own life without basic knowledge of female anatomy and health.
Another user, mrsagc90, pointed out the obvious fact that the presence of a urethra in young girls means they can contract UTIs from fecal bacteria.
The MIL’s ignorance becomes increasingly evident as more users chime in with their own explanations and criticisms, further reinforcing OP’s decision to defend his daughter’s health and hygiene.
Lastly, GrouchySteam, commended the father for teaching his daughter the correct way to wipe and acknowledged the MIL’s belittling behavior.
“Kudos to you for appropriately teaching your daughter on how to correctly wipe.”
This user also highlighted the absurdity of the MIL’s claim that a “real” vagina only exists when it can be used for reproduction.
“Her comment about the vagina of your daughter not existing until it can be basically used to reproduce is insane.”
The Verdict
This social media post and subsequent comments shed light on a concerning encounter between a father and his MIL regarding his daughter’s hygiene.
OP’s defense of his daughter’s well-being and his confrontation with his MIL’s misguided beliefs resonated with the online community. The comments from various users emphasized the importance of accurate health education and proper hygiene practices from an early age.
It is crucial for parents and caregivers to be well-informed about sexual and reproductive health to ensure the well-being of children.
What do you think? Let us know in the comments. Do you think the OP from this social media post was wrong?
Featured Image Credit: AllaSerebrina /Depositphotos.com.
This article originally appeared on Ash & Pri.
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