Journal Entry

Bath time: Encouraging cooperation in the tub

Do you dread bath time with your kid? Has the nightly routine become a screaming match filled with hysteria? Do your kids absolutely trash the bathroom? Bath time issues can range from fear of having hair washed to standing up in the slippery tub. Let’s look at what you can do to make this nightly ritual a more enjoyable part of everyone’s day.

Establish the rules

Does your boisterous kid soak the floor with waves of water every night? Let your child know that this isn’t acceptable. Bath time should be fun but not twice as much work for mommy. Never allow standing in the tub unless you have a hand on your child. Never leave your child unattended in the tub. Make sure you stress to your child that the faucet is completely off limits. Lather, rinse, and repeat as a mantra until your child knows these rules are carved in stone.

Hair-washing drama

Some children have a very real fear of hair washing. Whether it’s soap bubbles in the eyes or water poured over their head, the child’s screams can be heard at the neighbor’s house. Unless your kid rolls in mud puddles, consider just washing his hair every few days instead. If you choose to just ignore the screaming, keep shampoo, cups, and towels within easy reach to make the chore goes quickly. Have your child “look up at the sky” when you rinse. Swimming goggles or a shampoo shield can also help make hair washing easier.

Fear of the tub

To a kid, a tub drain is very scary. Or maybe your child’s head went completely under water at some time and he’s terrified it will happen again. You need to assess your child’s fear level and act accordingly. Gripping the bathroom door frame in panic is a definite sign a little switch in routine is necessary.

Sponge baths : Take the tub out of the equation for a few days. Give your child a sponge bath with a warm washcloth and soap.

Showers : Try bringing their bath time toys into the shower, add some new bath time finger paints, and Mommy for comfort.

Mommy in the tub : Fill the tub with just a little water, climb in, and set your child on your lap. Being in the tub allows you to wash him quickly and keep him safe at the same time. Make sure to take your child out of the bathroom before you pull the drain plug.

Let your child bathe a favorite toy : Allow your child to take her dolly or dinosaur into the tub for company. Teach your child how to wash the toy while you clean the child at the same time.

Establish and stick to a routine : Sometimes parents don’t want to give in to hysteria. Just plodding on through the chaos may seem inhumane but it really isn’t. If you can stand the hollering, rush through the bath.

Rewards : Actually, consider these bribes. A favorite show or story might be enough incentive to get some cooperation. Make sure to follow through on your promise and praise your child for being brave.

Bath time cooperation is based on routine. Establish limits and be consistent in what you expect from your child. For parents with kids who are afraid, remember that their fear will pass in time. Just be patient, and soon bath time will become a wonderful, sharing time to cherish.