Sunday, October 23, 2011

31 Days {Day 23}: Managing Bathtime



Bathing children is a necessary evil.

Over three years ago, when I was pregnant with Benjamin, I was tempted to let my other three kids go for days on end without a dip in the bathtub.  It wasn't that I liked them to be dirty, but  hefting my large self up the stairs and hoisting kids up and over the edge of the bathtub was a lot of work.  Standing up to wash them was uncomfortable, but when kneeling, there was no place for my belly.


After Benjamin's birth, the belly went away, but I was often holding or nursing him during bathtime and only had full use of one hand.  I devised a fun way to guarantee everyone (even the two-year-old) learned to wash him (or her) self when I was unable.  Each child would grab a bar of soap, washcloth, or body puff while I sang our own song to the tune of "Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush." 

"This the way we wash our arms,
Wash our arms,
Wash our arms.
This is the way we wash our arms
On a Monday evening."


Do you know that my littlest ones still ask that I sing that song at their bathtime...and even though they are fully capable of washing themselves now, I usually oblige!







{Disclaimer: Though this post was written to give you ideas and to illustrate how our family handles bathtime, remember that you are walking your own path!}

3 comments:

  1. Kristin, I remember bathtime well! For me it was a mixed blessing... it kept the girls busy a good long while, as they would stay in the tub splashing until the water was cold and their toes turned into raisins. But even if I sat right next to the tub, it always seemed like there was more water on the floor than in the tub by the end of bathtime!
    :-D

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  2. Oh...I love the song idea! I just may have to try it - I really think the boys would love it.

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  3. This is a great idea! My older two usually shower on their own (with supervision) now, but this would be great to ensure that they are thoroughly washed. :-)

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