My sister is only 6 years old and she is a BEE-YOTCH!?

Question

Because my mom is usually at work, I have to bathe my sister. My dad claims that he can't bathe her because he is a guy (you know).

Anyways, she doesn't listen to a word I say! It doesn't even take long to bathe her but she gets an attitude when it comes time to do it.

I don't understand how something like this can be considered a chore because my parents should have to take care of her.

I have tried to talk to my parents about her behavior, but they always think I'm trying to get out of bathing her.

My brothers keep trying to prove to our parents how bratty and spoiled she really is. They even tell them that I am not lying, but my parents just don't care.

I just got in trouble a few minutes ago because she smelled like a dog. I bathe her everyday, and I do a good job, but she runs around and gets all sweaty and stinky. My parents think that I just don't bathe her properly and that's why she stinks.

At six years of age, shouldn't she bathe herself? She'll be going to 1st grade!

I'M 13 YEARS OLD

Answer 1

Teach your little sister how to bathe herself. Tell her that if she learns she won't have to endure you fussing over her, and make it seem like something fun, that big girls do and doesn't she want to be a big girl? At first monitor her so she does it right and be supportive!

Also, it's not fair maybe that you are stuck with the job of bathing her, but she is your little sister. Be a friend to her (do not call her or think of her as a BEE-YOTCH, because she's too young to be a real one). Yes she is old enough to bathe herself, so help her see why she should want to do it on her own. As much as it's not your fault that your sister gets dirty, consider it from her side...it's not her fault either that her parents have been passing this responsibility on to you and the poor kid is going around stinking.

Bottom line, make it seem like an attractive opportunity for her to learn to bathe herself. Buy her a special brush and some nice body soap only for her--and one of those spongy body scrubbers and make her think bathing is a treat. It is for me.
Good luck.

Answer 2

When I met my best friend growing up we were in 2nd grade and she was taking care of her 3 year old sister. Then a couple years later her mom had another kid and she was taking care of her as well. You are a family and you should help each other out. It is a very new occurrence where older siblings don't help take care of the younger ones. Yes, bathing your sister is a chore and one that you should do without question since you are given everything that you need.

About how to deal with your parents though....do you have a video camera that you can use to show your parents how much your sister runs around and that is why she is getting smelly everyday? Just take video of her and show it to them. They should expect that a 6 year old is going to get sweaty, especially during the hot months.

Answer 3

You poor kid; that's a lot of responsibility. How old are you? I have three kids and I don't even bathe them every day; it drys out their skin and honestly the kids don't get that dirty. When they go outside and get into the mud or have gone to the beach, then yes I will bathe them more often, but no matter what, it is the parent's responsibility to take care of their own children. If you are over 18 and still living with them, then I would say, yes, it is a job that your parents gave you that you should except it graciously, but if you are younger, then you shouldn't be responsible. Good luck. Oh and P.S. don't call your sister a Bee-yotch, she's just a kid. Six year olds are just generally bratty, believe me it's just a stage, but it does need to be corrected before it turns into who she is.

Answer 4

Sounds as though you're fighting a losing battle as far as your parents interceding on your behalf. Buy some bubble bath and some bath toys for her, and try to make bathtime more fun for her. I also used to play a cassette called 'Bathtime Music' that had a bunch of songs about taking a bath. If you make it fun for her, you'll be surprised by how enjoyable you will find it also. Six is pretty young to expect a child to bathe herself, but she can definitely start learning the proper way to wash her hair and herself, and praising her extravagantly when she does a good job will encourage her to try even harder to do it independently. I know it sucks to have to have this responsibility, but there's not too much you can do about it. If you try to look at it in a positive light, you might just end up enjoying this time with your little sis.

Answer 5

Tell your parents that she should be able to take her own bath. At six years old she is fully capable of cleaning herself. And I cannot understand your parents not seeing the fact that a six year old can't bathe herself. Who was bathing you when you were six? Anybody? It sounds VERY WRONG to me. I realize you are only thirteen, but you should really talk to your parents about this. You should not be bathing your six year old sister at all.

Answer 6

That's a tough position for you to be in. As the mom of a 6 year old, I'd suggest teaching her to take a shower. My daughter can do it on her own - I just check her hair to make sure she's got enough shampoo and that she's rinsed well. She soaps up and washes all by herself. (I keep an eye on her through the clear shower curtain.)

My daughter feels like a 'big girl' now that she showers herself - maybe your sister would be more cooperative if she feels like she's being treated like a big kid and not the baby at bathtime.

Answer 7

Yes, six years old should bathe themselves. Next time when it comes to taking a bathe, tell her to do it herself or nobody will help her with it. And talk to your parents about this situation. It doesn't sound fair at all to me. Tell them they should take care of their child themselves instead of having the daughter take care of the child(your sister).

Answer 8

yea at six she should be able to bath her self..

I know kids at the age of 4 who bath themselves while the mother watches ....

And if your parents arent even appreciating your work for cleaning her in the first place then just tell them that you arent going to do it at all and to do it them selves... (sounds kinda brattish also but hey).... My bf used to come and complain about how i folded his clothes... well i told him you dont like it do it your self!... and since he hasnt said anythign about the way i do stuff...

You should at least be getting a thank you and not " you didnt bath her today"....

I really think it is wrong that you have to watch your sister...

well good luck

Answer 9

The same situation is currently happening with my little cousins. My older cousin and I are expected to watch after them, as my aunt and uncle are having problems, and it's really difficult. I don't know how old you are, but I'm 18 and I still find it really difficult to watch after my cousins and treat them in a way so they behave and feel loved.
It's not right that you have that duty, however put as much effort and time into it as you have. I know there are other things you can be doing, but 6 year olds need love and typically if she's acting out, it's because she needs attention. It's hard to relate with 6 year olds, but it's important to address them as respectfully as you would an adult. They can sense condesending attitudes, and don't take kindly to it. Talk to her and explain to her that she needs to bathe to be healthy, and let her play with toys and have fun with it. You can only have as much fun as you allow yourself to.
You will one day be thankful you put care and time into helping raise her. She's your sibling and the way she is treated, by everyone, will reflect in her personality.

Answer 10

It's interesting how the baby of the family is usually the biggest brat. I think it's cuz the parents are done parenting and they don't make such a fuss anymore so the youngest gets away with more and becomes more difficult. It's not fair that you have to put up with it but she is your sister. You need to get your parents to enforce that she obey and respect you. Esp. since you are helping them and your baby sis out.