Beating Bathtime Blues

Posted by Barbara Gibson Jan 7, 2007

These days getting my son to the tub is becoming a trial. The mere mention of a bath or the sound of running water sends him flying through the house with me fast behind him. I have to confess that this game of chase is getting old. If this sounds familiar, take heart! I've been experimenting with a few ideas. Read on, maybe one or two will work for you.

• Make a game of it - try tub toys, bubbles, character towels and even children's music in the bathroom.
• Allow warning or transition time - announce in advance that bath time will be after dinner or after this show goes off.
• Try a shower instead
• Implement a routine - doing things in the same order every evening lets children know what to expect next.
• Use stickers or tokens - children can earn one each time they pleasantly cooperate with your bath time request the first time.
• Laugh it off - some days the chase becomes a game; a playful time between us that sends us into fits of giggles.
• Skip a night - Its okay to skip a night every now and again, use the time to read an extra story or play together.
• Try a morning bath instead - a warm bath can be a comforting way to start your child's day.