Bath time can be a source of conflict in families. Setting up the right environment, incorporating play, and showing empathy can help reduce tensions.
The Environment
- Adjust bath time according to the child’s preferences and schedule.
- Consider the temperature of the room, towel, and water (are they warm enough?).
- Question whether a daily bath is necessary.
- Use a timer to indicate the duration and end of the bath (and explain to the child that they will get out when the timer rings).
Attachment and Play
- Turn getting to the bathroom into a challenge: hopping on one foot, walking backward, crawling…
- Pretend play: imagine the child is a baby, and the parents are giving them a bath (even if they are old enough to wash themselves).
- Allow the child to continue the game they started in their room or living room while in the shower.
- Make bath time fun: bubble baths, animal-shaped sponges that stick to and peel off the tub, pouring and transferring water games…
- Create mini-challenges in the bathroom: throw dirty clothes into the laundry basket like a goal, open the shower gel with the left hand…
- If both parents and children are comfortable with the idea, take a bath together.
Empathy
- Put yourself in the child’s shoes (what are they saying “yes” to when they say “no” to a bath?) and reflect their emotions:
“Grrrr… It’s really annoying to stop playing and go to the bath, you’d rather keep playing!” - Express what matters to you:
“It’s important to me that you take your shower now so we can have more time to eat calmly afterward.”
“For me, cleanliness means good health and respect for yourself and others. That’s why I insist.” - Find a solution together:
“How much more time do you need to finish your puzzle? I’ll set the timer, and when it rings, you go to the bathroom. Does that sound good?”
BONUS TIP
When my daughter was little, counting to 10 was the signal to get out of the bath. She loved choosing the language and even asked me to mix different ones (“1” in French, “2” in English, “3” in German…).
