Cleaning compulsion

[Leannek]

How can I break a compulsion of cleaning my son everytime he goes to the toilet to start with it was just his hands then his feet and now its any clothes that have touched the pan .its driving me crazy that I can't just let it go I know it can't hurt him it just makes me feel physically ill any ideas welcome coz its driving me mad

[b1b1b1]

I hate to say it this way, but just force yourself to stop this behavior immediately. It can be extremely damaging to your son in many ways. I am sure stopping it will make you feel uncomfortable and perhaps very uncomfortable. Try to think of your son instead, and the benefit it will be of to him.

[Hb2003]

Do you feel a urge to do it . I understand how you feel my brother has OCD and is autistic

[hypercat54]

I agree completely with b1. This sounds like second hand OCD. Unless you want your son to grow up with this and other anxiety based behaviour you have to stop it now. If you can't do it without help then see your doctor/therapist please. For your son's sake.

[Rafiki11]

You might have to defy your OCD by doing something the opposite of how it orders you to do it. So instead of cleaning your son, clean the toilet and then snuggle your son.

[Leannek]

I agree with what your all saying but the urge and unease is there so bad. Its worse because he puts his feet on the pan at the bottom and holds on the seat in my heart I know its clean but my head is telling me its not

[Funkyfaerie in reply to Leannek]

It will be so hard, but you have to. I learned my anxiety from my Father years ago, and that was from just seeing his anxious behavior...

[Leannek in reply to Funkyfaerie]

I'm really gonna try today to fight the urges my dad also suffered with this most of his life so I know there's a genetic link

[Midori]

See your doctor about this; please be aware that you are also teaching your son that natural functions are dirty.

It can make your son like you, fearful of dirt and germs. This is not healthy. please get to your doctor Urgently.

[DodgeDhanda]

The bit you wrote that " it can't hurt him" is wrong as u need to think how ur condition & thinking patterns are affecting his life going forward. You need to break the cycle so he doesn't pick it up & we know with kids it's a world of monkey see monkey do. Children are like sponges they soak up so much. So seek medical advice as you said u know its an issue & seeking professional help is best way forward I personally believe .