bathtime battles

ladylisalt

My 3.y.old has been refusing baths lately. He did it a bit back when he was even younger but now it seems more frequent. We don't bath him daily so it is not part of a daily routine. We usually coax him in at some point and sometimes he's fine once he's in, other times he's fussing or wants to get out quick. Well tonight we really struggled. We gave him ample warning,etc he seemed agreeable, and sure enough in typical toddler fashion he wanted to be the boss when the time arrived. We could easily put him in kicking and screaming (which I have come close to) but don't want this to be the regular routine of it(esp. me being very pregnant). I try to give choices, time warnings...whats ahead,etc. Any other advice on how to deal with situations like this without them escalating and us feeling defeated as parents? PS I have tried fun toys, colored water,etc. Nothing seems to entice him lately. I guess I am looking for more advice on how to handle the situation without the power struggle. TIA

ladylisalt

Nicb13 said:

When DS does this, after warning about the upcoming bath and trying all sorts of fun bribery techniques, I just put him in and get him out quick. It's not pleasant but he HAS to get clean so in he goes, screaming or not. Usually once he's in, he's fine but sometimes I just have to wash him quickly and get him right back out.

Can your DH help since you are pregnant?

Yes, DH def. helps. I do like the comments about a choice of a shower. Ironically he took one for the first time with DH last week when on vacation. I think I will start there. Like you, we have done the unpleasant get in and out quick.

Ya Never Know

We had a hard time getting DD in the bath tub at one point for a few weeks. It was like something had spooked her in the tub, and I couldn't get her back in there without her freaking out. I ended up putting my bathing suit on and getting in with her a couple of times then after that she was fine.