End Bath-time Fights with You Child

Soothing bubbles, playful splashing, or shrieks and tears? Which one describes bathtime at your house? Bathtime doesn't have to be a battle with your young child. Most children go through a stage between 1 and 3 when they stop enjoying baths and some even begin fearing them. Older children may merely just resist the idea of stopping in their play to slow down for a ritual that usually means bedtime is approaching. I've gone through these stages with my own child and, after many nights of different strategies, I've come up with some that work.

Stock up on kids bath products or make your own. After holidays like Christmas, Valentines, and Mother's Day, there are often several bath sets on clearance. Stock up on a variety, although bubble baths should be limited to avoid irritating genitals.

Involve children at around 5 years old and up in making bath products. Bath bombs are easy to make and they provide a measuring and science lesson. Kits are also available for making glycerin soaps that your child will be proud of.

Having a regular bath time and giving notice ("10 minutes before bath") helps kids transition to it more easily each night. I've found that it's better to do this at least an hour before bed so the association isn't bath-to-bed, but lets it be the first part in a winding down routine.

Make it fun!

Learn some bathtime songs. Singing songs helps relax, entertain and distract. If you're not big on singing, Sesame Street has it's "Splish Splash Bathtime Fun CD"
Get bubbles (the kind you blow) specifically for bath time and bring them out only then.
Body paint - add food color to a cupful of shaving cream and mix gently. Let your child "paint" his or her body and the tub.
Let your child play with kitchen utensils like measuring cups and sieves. Bring out all the gadgets that wont be bothered by a dip in the bath. Kids don't get too old for this for quite a while. It entertains my 5 year old just as much as it did when she was 5 months.
Try washcloths in the form of puppets, and buy or make sponges in geometric or animal shapes.

Fear of Hair Washing

Most struggles at bathtime come from a child is afraid of washing his/her hair because it could mean getting water in their eyes or ears. bath visors available in the baby bath section. Eye goggles are also a fun thing to try. Using a squirt bottle to wet their hair gives more control over where the water goes. Use less water in the tub so they feel better about laying back in it. Gradually increase as they become more comfortable. Encourage you child to look up when you're washing his/her hair by placing 3-D stars on the ceiling.

Bring a shatter proof mirror in the tub so your child can see the funny shampoo sculptures possible. Encourage him or her to make his own (gets nails clean easily!) some are available that can be stuck at kid level on the wall Use a combination shampoo-conditioner so you only have to apply and rinse once. A spray leave in conditioner later will ensure extra softness.

If nothing else works, put no slip decals or a no slip mat on the bottom of the tub and try a shower. Leave the curtain open - it wont be too messy if you start with it on low - and let your child feel the "rain".

And if that doesn't work, just remember that messy hair isn't the end of the world, and puberty isn't that far away. Your little rebel will come around and learn to love baths and grooming. Parents just have to make the most of this time to nurture while we can.