As a parent, it is our duty to introduce your daughter to proper bathing techniques and personal hygiene antics. As they continue to mature, they will begin to gain a better sense of independence and will eventually kick you out during bath time, like my daughter did. It is important that we equip them early with to right tools to maintain her hygiene and boost her self-confidence. Without this knowledge, our daughters can easily fall victim to various health conditions, embarrassment and potential bullying in school. We have listed some of the tips that will ensure that your daughter always looks forward to bath time.
Starting a discussion about bathing and hygiene
It is erroneous to assume that your daughter understands or will somehow automatically learn what she needs to know about hygiene and bathing. This may not be the easiest discussion to have, yet it is essential to take the time needed to teach her. The first thing we teach our kids about the bathroom is potty time. By the time they’re in Kindergarten they become potty time pros and run straight in the bathroom all by themselves. Yet, the moment we mention bath time, there are mixed feelings. Some children may fear water a little more than others making them hesitant to appreciate the moment.
You can start with discussing all the activities that take place in the bathroom and the tools needed, such as brushing your teeth, washing your hands and face, brushing your hair, and using the toilet. Then begin explaining the items they will need such as soap, shampoo, conditioner, lotions and oils, along with each item’s appropriate dosage. As she enters the tub explain the method of balancing the water temperature. Some parents leave marks on the water handle to indicate how far they should turn the handles before the water gets too hot. After pouring the right amount, let her lather herself with suds making she hits every part of her body then once they are rinsed off introduce the bath toys for a moment of playtime. Remember to try to make this fun for her and not feel like a daily chore, but a moment of relaxation.
Fun Bath Toys
Bath toys not only work as a miracle to distract her while your scrubbing away, they can also be used to promote bonding with your daughter. The classic rubber duckie never gets too old! I’m not exactly sure why but you can’t help but to enjoy a bight coloured duck floating in the bubbles. There’s even an upgraded rubber duckie you can find which test the waters temperature. You can also let your daughter choose her own squirt toys from a wide variety of shapes and animals. Another bath toy that seems timeless is the fishing game.
Purchase a doll or maybe a mermaid Barbie doll that she can designate to living in the bathroom. A doll can also help to demonstrate the wash and shampoo process to calm her nerves. As time goes on, there’s now plenty of light up and musical toys to make bath time even more magical so go check them out! Keep in mind that bath toys should be cleaned frequently, as they are susceptible to mold and bacteria, teach your daughter to remove the bath toys and organize them around the tub for storage.
Bath Bubbles and bath bombs
Bath bubbles are one of the best sources of bath time fun. You can accomplish this by pouring bubble bath or liquid soap into the running water. Or you can put the soap into a small dish and blow bubbles over her head. Bath bombs are hand-packed mixtures made of dry natural ingredients and oils which effervesce when wet. They come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, along with scents and beneficial properties. Bath bombs are not only good for your daughter’s skin but will also create an atmosphere of luxury and relaxation. Allow your daughter to choose the colour and shapes of the bath bombs.
Although, these bath bombs are available in the market, it is also possible to DIY some at home. Look up easy bath bombs to make at home and involve your daughter in the whole process. Once she drops one into her tub, the fizzles and delightful scents that are released will make her look forward to bathing time every day. Her bathtub is subtly transformed into a simple spa.
Design the bathroom to your daughter’s liking
The bathroom is a place where you can have moment for yourself without anyone interrupting you. That is only if you’re a big girl! Your daughter will be more than excited to help you transform her bathroom to her own little oasis. The internet and Pinterest to be specific, has a lot of ideas and ways you can enhance your daughter’s bathroom. Ask your daughter to choose her favourite colour for the paint and list all the things (within reason) she would like her bathroom to have. After agreeing on what is achievable, get to work and try to DIY as much bathroom décor as you can. You can also purchase a set of bathtub alphabets which can be used to leave inspirational messages when she least expects it to brighten her mood.
Gift your daughter with a bathroom basket
Girls love gifts and cosy items. When it comes to the bathroom, there’s shampoo, soaps, bath bombs, lotions, body sprays, essential oils, facial scrubs, masks, and plenty more concoction’s your can fill a bathroom basket with. Find out your daughter’s favourite bathroom assortments or scents and gift them to her. Another item I would consider adding are bath robes and a cute pair of home slippers. My daughter always looked forward to her opportunity to wrap up in her princess robe, even if for a few seconds. All girls appreciate a pretty brush along with a set of hair products and accessories to jazz up a ponytail. She will be so elated that she will want to start trying them immediately.
Introduce a family routine
A good routine should create bonds as well as cater for the needs of every family member. A simple schedule would include waking up, bathroom time, breakfast, off to work/school, dinner, family activity then bathroom time before bedtime. Introduce an activity which makes your daughter exercise, or sweat such as skipping rope, sports, completing a few outdoor activities or chores. The main aim of this routine is to make your daughter look forward to the downtime she will experience in her bathroom. After that, you can all enjoy a snack and exchange fresh, clean bedtime hugs and kisses.
Bathing artist
Children love interesting changes. Sometimes the bath time can become boring with the same old toys. When they begin to write and draw you can furnish bathtub crayons, paints, colour bath drops, and soft moulding soap. These items can help to expand your daughter’s creativity as they create beautiful pictures and observe the mixing of the colours. The colours are designed to minimalize the cleaning effort and usually wont stain your tub.
Be Creative
As a mother, you know what your daughter loves. Use this to your advantage to make the bath time enjoyable. If your daughter loves music, you can buy her a small waterproof Bluetooth speaker that she can place on the bathroom cabinet and she can sing along to her favourite songs. By singing out loud, she can release the energy in her as well as the pressures that we all have after a long day.
⦁ Try new products
As your daughter grows up, she will start noticing various products in the market either through window shopping or through the numerous advertisements that are aired on our TVs daily. She will develop an interest and even want to try some of them. She will want to upgrade her current stash of bathroom accessories. Ask her to provide you with a list of the body and hair products that she wants. You can both spend time going to the store to purchase them.
After bath self-care
After bath time, allow you daughter to remain in her after bath attire while she brushes her teeth, dries her hair. Show her how to apply the lotions, oils and body sprays until she gets the hang of it. Remember a little goes a long way. You can even make it fun by applying some kids nail polish.
Bath time is only the first step to teaching proper hygiene. As she matures her routine will develop to include the necessary steps to prevent acne, irritations, and develop her self-confidence. Teach her how to pay attention to her body, skin, and how care and pamper herself from an early age. These techniques will certainly stick with her for a lifetime. It will boost her self-esteem and even encourage her to lead a healthy lifestyle.
By: Teresa Nderi
Reviewed By: Tiffany