How to Teach a Toddler to Love Bathtime

Some toddlers balk at the idea of bath time. Here are some simple steps to help make bath time full of watery fun instead of anxiety.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Tearless shampoo
• Gentle soap
• Plastic toys
• Bathtub crayons and paints
• Bubble bath
• Lots of towels

1. Always be enthusiastic about taking a bath. Behave as if bath time is a treat for everyone. Let the excitement build as the bathtub fills.

2. Allow your toddler to come into the bath or shower with you when you have the time. This not only teaches them that bath time can be fun, but it also helps them develop a strong and positive body image as well as hygiene skills.

3. Reserve toys specifically for bath time play. This ensures that your toddler won't get bored with any particular toy and makes them special every time he sees them.

4. Let them splash. Bathrooms are designed to take moisture, so let them do their job and loosen up a little while you're there. Wear clothes that you don't mind getting wet and keep the bathroom nice and warm so everyone is comfortable. Always keep lots of towels handy in case things get too enthusiastic.

5. You can't beat them, so join them. Nothing says you can't just jump in the tub with your toddler to join in the fun. Even in your clothes, your toddler will remember what a good time they had at bath time when mom and dad have a good time too.

6. Use bath crayons, markers and paints to let your toddler explore color, texture and to foster creativity.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't let the water do all the work; use a little elbow grease to help the bubble bath reach its full frothiness.
• Remember, it's just water. As long as you keep anything extremely important out of the bathroom, everything will dry in time.
• Never leave a toddler in the tub unattended. Even though they're more coordinated, they're still likely to get in trouble while exploring, and they can still fall and submerge themselves accidentally.
• Never use a bath as a punishment or else all the fun will be sucked out of the bath once again.

[grouch]

on 12/14/2007 Watch, listen, and learn. Children will never leave you wrong. My son hated bath time but I figured out it was because he wanted to put the toys in. Let them be their own person. Thanks for the tips.