Trying to encourage an energetic toddler into a bath can be a challenge, so once your kid gets older, it’s easier to convince them to get clean, right? Not so much, especially when you’re dealing with an eye-rolling tween who isn’t interested in their much-needed daily shower. Tired of the uphill battle at bath time? These motivation tips from real moms should help.
- Use incentives – Rewards work, so find the things that entice your kiddos based on their age and interests. For the younger ones, it’s tough to beat the fizzy magic of bath bombs. Crayola Color Bath Dropz are also fun for the littles, especially if you let them choose the color. If your child is reluctant to get in the tub, try books with their favorite characters, like Elmo, taking a bath, or the book “The Pigeon Needs a Bath” to convince them the water’s fine. For older kids, you can’t beat a shower radio or waterproof bluetooth so they can listen in the shower. And when all else fails? No screen time until they’re clean.
- Make it really fun – Turn it into a game with your preschooler, like making it a race to see if you can get the whole bath done before a five-minute timer goes off. A dance party shower with singing and dancing works, too and so do bathtub toys.
- Make it a routine – Bath time can conveniently be the step after dinner and before bedtime in your kid’s evening routine, so they get used to the process and know what’s coming next. For older kids, knowing they get time to watch TV after they get clean can be a motivation for them to stop complaining and wasting time and just get in the shower.
- Talk to them about hygiene – When your kid is old enough to understand, remind them about what happens to the body when they don’t wash up and eventually, they’ll take the shower just to hear you stop talking. As teenagers they also start to care more about their appearance, so peer pressure will be working on your side as well.
Source: Lifehacker