She's Back

She's home from camp. The first thing she said to me was "Look, I'm home, I got home today. I like camp". She informed me that she took a shower by herself. I'd be thrilled, because I despise having to shower her, except that I know full well that taking a shower by herself meant washing her face with the rag she just washed her bottom with. What are these people thinking when they put a kid like her in the shower alone? Do they think anyone wants to kiss a kid who showers in the manner that she does? I have tried for the past three years to teach her how to take care of her own hygiene; it's just not ever going to happen. I've tried being patient, I've tried rewards, I've tried being stern, all to no avail. All I get is wet, frustrated, and chronic back pain for my efforts. I would give anything to be able to afford to hire a caregiver just so I wouldn't have to shower her. I have hurt my back more times than I can count and I've come to the conclusion that I am just too old to do it safely. Unfortunately, I have no choice. She can't do it, I can't afford to pay someone to do it, so there we are. Maybe I'm being too uptight about the way she showers when left to her own devices. Maybe I shouldn't care so much about hygiene. I don't know. I don't know if I'm am doing any of this the right way, and there doesn't seem to be anyone to tell me, either.