yBathtimeWHY THE DRAMA?^
As lovely as the idea of a pre-bedtime
bath may be, there are a whole
number of reasons why it can be
problematic. For example...
● You and your youngster are tired.
●^ The bathroom can be a very
different environment to the rest of
the house: the temperature, the toys
and the acoustics all make it a unique
space. That makes it stimulating for
youngsters – who can then get
overtired in that environment.
● Bathtime involves a double
transition – going into the bath and
getting out. Double the change:
double the chances for fussing.
●^ Some toddlers dislike baths.
That, plus tiredness, is the perfect
recipe for a meltdown.
●^ As well as the bath itself, you then
have to dry your child, dry their hair,
and get them into pyjamas.
●^ You are on a schedule – making
sure that the bath is done in time for
bedtime – while your child is not.SOOTHING STEPS...
● Have a timer
Get a timer, set it, and explain that
when it goes to the beginning, a bell
will sound and that’s time to get out of
the bath. ‘This is a visible and audible
cue to help your child understand
what’s going to happen,’ says Rebecca.
‘That’s reassuring to your child
because he understands what’s going
on. Plus, the timer is telling him to get
out the bath, not you, so it reduces
the urge to assert his autonomy!’
● Pick a towel!
When you give your child choices,
you’re giving him the control he
wants. So, which towel does he want- the red fluffy one or the big blue
one? Which shampoo does he want- the yummy strawberry one or the
delicious orange one?
● Avoid a bedroom stop
If you’re having a bath after dinner,
go straight to the bathroom. Why?
Because, if you go somewhere else
before the bath, you’re creating
- the yummy strawberry one or the
another transition for your child
todeal with. So, straight to the
bathroom, and clothes off in there
while the bath is running.
● Say bye-bye bath!
One of the best ways to avoid
a tantrum is to recognise and
acknowledge how your child is
feeling. So, if he’s sad about getting
out of the bath, voice that feeling.
‘I know you’re sad about getting out
of the warm bath. It’s hard when the
air feels cold. The bath is sad too. Let’s
wave bye-bye to the bath. Bye-bye
bath – we’ll see you again soon! Hello
towel, you feel snuggly and warm.’
● Create a picture guide
Draw pictures of what happens
at bathtime, in order. This acts
as a reassuring visual reminder,
showing your youngster what’ll
happen. Start with doing teeth;
then running the bath; testing the
temperature; getting wet hair;
washing off the shampoo; pulling
the plug; snuggling in the towel.BRING PEACE TO YOUR DAY
‘Bethalie is generally
very happy, but she does have
the occasional tantrum. I’ve found
the best way to help her through it is to
hold her under the armpits and jostle her
(gently) about, while (loudly) saying
“Wibbly wobbly, wibbly wobbly”. Before
long she is giggling and has forgotten
what she was fussing about.’
Lara O’Hara, 29, from Greenhithe,
is mum to Bethalie,
16 months