Just when you think you’ve solved a problem, it comes back to haunt you. Of course, that is why parenting a child with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome can be so frustrating. One day your FAS child might know all of their times tables and the next day not be able to remember a single one.

Our daughter will be 14 next month and her body is maturing, as it should. We knew we couldn’t allow her to use a sharp object like a razor, and I didn’t want to violate her privacy in the bathroom by helping her shave. Therefore, we chose to allow her to use Nair to remove her leg hair.

I took the time to explain to her how to use it, and then I showed her. I read the directions and had her repeat them back to me. I was sure that she understood. I thought it was going just fine.

Then back in February, the baby needed a diaper change while Lyn was in the bathroom. I asked if she had clothes on and if I could come in to change the baby. She said that I could, and I found her rubbing Nair all over her arms. Once again, I explained to her how and where to use Nair. I thought she understood and I thought it was going fine.

Sunday night Super Dad and I were on our computers in the playroom, which happens to be next to Lyn’s bedroom. Super Dad starts asking about the smell that has begun to permeate the air. Of course, no one volunteers any information so I ask, in a loud voice, if anyone is using nail polish or lotion.

That is when Lyn walked out of her bedroom, fully clothed, and announced that she was using her Nair. “Excuse me,” I asked. “You are using your Nair, now?”

She had applied the Nair in her bedroom. I’m not sure if she took her pants off or just rolled them up to apply the Nair. However, Super Dad made sure to ask her what parts of her body she had covered. Fortunately, she had only covered her legs.

Next, I asked her how long ago she had applied the Nair and when she planned to wash it off. She wasn’t quite sure how long she had the Nair on, maybe six minutes she thought. She said that she planned to wash it off in the shower.

I pointed out that her brother was currently in the shower and she had heard me tell the four-year-old to get in next. I asked why she hadn’t verified the time of her shower before putting it on. Of course, she didn’t know.

Then I asked her how long the direction said to wear the Nair. She couldn’t remember. I asked her what the warning label indicated about wearing it too long. She had no idea. I suggested that she find out.

I told her that she better get in the shower next. About 20 minutes later, I found her sitting in the living room watching TV. I asked her for the bottle of Nair so that I could read the directions. She brought it to me but it had a sticker stuck over the directions and the precautions, which I had to remove before I could read them.

The direction said to wear no longer than eight minutes. They specifically said not to allow the Nair to dry on your legs. It said to seek medical treatment if a rash developed.
Fortunately, there was no rash. I had to remove the Nair from her possession. Super Dad told her that until she learns to read and follow directions she would have to ask me for the Nair each time she wants to use it. Then I will set the timer for her.

I’m afraid I consider it a set back for her. As I’ve mentioned before, we are trying to teach her independent living skills to prepare her for adulthood. At this point, I still don’t know what that looks like for her.

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