Bath Time Battles Solved
After his bath recently, my child said to me “Mom, the thing I don’t like about bath time is getting wet”. I wanted to laugh at the ridiculousness of that statement but upon reflection it was a huge “ah ha” moment.
First, I was filled with gratitude that my child is able to effectively communicate his wants/needs/likes/dislikes with me. This wasn’t always the case. If you have an infant, toddler, or child with verbal communication challenges, you know how hard those years are when you’re left to just figure it all out with nonverbal communication.
Then, I instantly had flashbacks of all of the years he scream-cried about bath time. Since his very first bath as an infant, he has resisted. At the time, I assumed the meltdowns and drama were because he didn’t want to stop playing to get in the bath or because he didn’t like all the transitions and steps involved or because he was simply being stubborn. It took me so long to realize the challenging behavior was driven by a sensory sensitivity. He didn’t like the feel of being wet! Of course! How could I not see it?!
Does your child resist bath time? Have you considered it may be because of a sensory sensitivity? It could be the feel of the water or the echo/acoustics in the bathroom or the disdain of getting water in their eyes or ears or the sensation and instability they feel when they have to put their head back or lay down in the water.
If you can relate, here are 5 tips for supporting your child at bathtime.
Don’t require baths every night or when they are already tired/stressed. You can attempt bath on the weekends or mornings when you have more time instead of requiring it as part of the bedtime routine.
Be playful, make it fun! Bath toys, peek a boo games with a washcloth, playing silly music and having a sing a long session can be ways to take the pressure off and distract them from what they are sensitive to. Use topics or toys that are familiar or interesting to your child to help keep their attention.
Provide a variety of washcloths, scrub mitts, or sponges so they have an option of different textures to use to help them get clean.
Let the child be in control of when to get out or create a concrete method to understand when the bath is over. If they can only handle a quick dip in the water, no need to wrestle with them and force them to stay in. It can also help to play a song and as soon as the song is over they can get out. Let them know it’s their body and it’s your job to keep them safe. Being clean is part of caring for our physical health and you are here to help them feel safe while also helping them get clean.
Keep demands low. Transitions in and out of the bath can be stressful in itself for young children so don’t give too many instructions or demands. If you’re spending the whole bath time telling them not to drink the water or to quit splashing, that can increase frustration for both of you! Keep your parenting goal in mind, in this moment, is it more important for your child to get clean and feel safe or is it more important that they learn to keep the water inside the tub?
Unsure if your child’s challenging behavior(s) are driven by sensory processing challenges? Encourage Club can help you decode the difficult moments and find respectful response strategies that work! Schedule your free connection call or sign up for an individualized coaching package for one on one education and encouragement!
Unsure if your child’s challenging behavior(s) are driven by sensory processing challenges? Encourage Club can help you decode the difficult moments and find respectful response strategies that work! Schedule your free connection call or sign up for an individualized coaching package for one on one education and encouragement!
