This is undoubtedly one of the most uncomfortable phases that most children go through at some point, along with the fear of going to the bathroom or the complicated period of 'I don't like that, I won't eat it' that makes more than one parent suffer.
It is important to remember that this is a stage in your child's behavior, that it will pass and that you need to be patient, understanding and firm at this time.
Remember that with your guidance you will be able to calm your child and make this process as less traumatic as possible. Although sometimes you want to lose control, you are tired and do not want to deal with the battle of bath time, you need to keep in mind that you are the one who can control the situation.
For this reason and to reduce anxiety we have compiled a series of tips that will turn the bath time experience into something playful, unique and pleasurable for your little one.
Fear of the drain:
It is perhaps the most common, they begin to develop fantasies and fears that 'go' down the drain. If you have a bathtub, try with the same rubber ducky or with the toys they usually take with them at bath time to show them that 'nothing will go down the drain', neither they nor their toys.
Anticipate the 'tantrum' or 'tantrum' moment:
If you know bath time is coming, don't wait for it to trigger conflict and make his mood fickle or cranky. Never let crying take over. Make the moment playful and entertaining. Show her that it's a fun ritual in a different environment like water. Turn the shower or bathtub into a space for adventures and games.
Try saying: Do you want to live an adventure on the high seas? How about playing pirates, even better! Let's be mermaids or dolphins in the sea, choose your toys and let's go for a swim now!
The answer will be better than if you give a dry command. 'Let's give you a bath' or if you blackmail him with a reward afterwards. If you let him take a bath without crying, I'll buy you a stroller or a stuffed animal'. Believe us that his reaction will change if he gets that reward without the prior threat.
Try making a reward calendar:
Build with your little one a system of 'rewards' with positive stars for the times he has bathed and it has been a full moment, so he will understand that by complying with these habits he will be able to receive recognition. Not necessarily a toy, it can be a food he likes or more time on TV or playing. Establish a system of rewards not only for these moments but for everything and will forge a sense of responsibility by making it a part of everyday life.
Keep a regular bath time schedule that revolves around his interests:
Maybe he gets cranky because bath time coincides with his playtime, TV time or screen time. If your little one is older than five years old, try to 'dialogue' this schedule, make him feel that he is part of it and that his interests are being safeguarded.
Propose to do it on a poster board with stickers and colors: Bath time! And set a time for this activity.
If he is really too frightened to submit him to the toilet, the crying is inconsolable and the tantrum has become heavy and violent use a 'pass' a 'golden ticket', tell him that he has 3 such tickets a month and that they are passes to be wiped only with wet wipes or baby wipes, to refresh him and make sure he is clean. Remind him that these passes are limited and that he can't skip bath time any more times.
Finally, introduce the concept of hygiene, cleanliness and habits in his daily life, talk to him about the importance of protecting himself from germs and bacteria, perhaps try a children's story oriented to these topics. Show him that his parents clean themselves, that it is something natural and that everyone should do it.
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