There comes a time when you must teach your kid how to take a bath on their own. Because you cannot continue to bathe your child to adulthood (except they have special needs). As a parent, you must teach them how to take a bath the correct way. You also have to ensure they can properly do so before you finally set them free of mommy baths. Even though you will have to observe them for a while afterward. Here are all the things you need to know about teaching your kid to bathe on their own.
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The Age To Start
You should wait until your child has reached the right age before you start teaching them how to take a bath on their own. This age can vary for different children. Do not expect your child to be able to do what you’re asking them to at any particular age. You know your child better than anyone else, and you will know when they are ready. Generally, children will be ready to start learning this skill at around the ages of 3 to 5. Whatever age you choose to start, never leave your kid in the bathroom alone. Always stay there with them to ensure their safety.
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Get The Necessary Things
Get the things you will require for your first bathing class with your kid. Usually, you will need regular bathing items. Also, teach your kid to always make sure everything they need is available before they go in for their bath. If you are using a bucket, then a separate container should be available for the sponge and soap. You may also choose to use a handheld shower or a pouring cup (depends on whether they will be using the bathtub or shower). Teach your kid to brush their teeth before a bath and not after.
Wet Self First
The first thing the child needs to learn is to get the water over their bodies first of all. They need to pour at least 3 cups of water over their bodies (if they are using a bucket and pouring cup). If they are using the shower, then they should turn it on and step in for 5-10 seconds. They should ensure the water gets all over them. You should make sure the water is the right temperature as well. You would have to be the one to set their bathing water, as the kid would be unable to do that for some time. When they are all enough they can set their bathing water.
Head And Face
Teach your kid to start with their head and face. The kid needs to wash their face and lather first. They may or may not use a sponge, it all depends on your preference. But they should be careful not to scrub too hard. The kid must get all the stickiness off their face. They should also use their bare hands to thoroughly wash their face with lather. Teach them to keep their eyes and mouth closed at all times when washing their face (though you don’t really have to say it). They shouldn’t let lather into their mouths. After washing the face, they may shampoo their hair, lather, and rinse well.
Go From Top Down
Teach them to go from top to bottom. Your kid should understand that they can start with their legs first, but that is not advisable. After washing their head they should go with the neck next, the chest and abdomen, the arms, under the armpit, behind the arms, the back, legs downwards, and finally the bottom area. Show them how to scrub well and how to get the sponge to clean their backs. They should leave washing their private areas last. This part contains the most bacteria and they should leave it for last. You must teach them how to properly wash their private areas.
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Rinse
You have to show your kid how to rinse themselves well. This seems like an easy task until you see someone come out of the bathroom with lather at the back of their head or behind the ears. After washing themselves, the kid should rinse – making sure the water washes over the whole body, behind the ears, the back of the head, under the armpits and behind the legs. They should also make sure water gets to their back. They don’t have to shower after a bath, but they should make sure to get rid of all the lather.
Dry With Towel
Teach your kid how to dry themselves with a towel. This is an essential skill they need to understand. The kid shouldn’t just wrap the towel around his/herself and walk out with water dripping all over their body. They must first clean their face (with a separate towel), then their head, their hands and truck, their legs, and then wrap the towel around them. You may choose to get them a hoodie towel, or a bathrobe. Kids prefer their towel to have a bit of style and design. A bathrobe works well because of the rope they can use to tie it in a place. Also, teach them to hang the towel after use.
Make It Fun
You should make the whole process fun and enjoyable for your kid. Do not make it a tedious task to be performed with all seriousness. You want your kid to enjoy the whole process and cooperate. It is easier to get them to cooperate when they’re having fun. You may add a few games to it to make it fun. You shouldn’t play any games that make the child try and bath as quickly as possible, as you wouldn’t want them to rush their baths. You want them to try and wash thoroughly, so discourage any ideas to get through the process fast.
Be Patient
You may be teaching your kid to bath on their own for a long time. Be patient. Do not rush your kid in the learning process. They will need to get familiar enough with the routine to be able to do it without you giving directions. Once in a while, you should ask them to bathe with no directions from you. You should still be there with them though. Ask questions like, did you get all the lather out? Chilly, right? Does it feel clean enough? Be gentle and encouraging. They need to know that you notice the amount of effort they are putting into it.
Watch Them
You should always be there whenever your child is taking a bath. They may be able to bath themselves now, but they still require adequate supervision, not just for proper cleaning but for safety measures. You will know when you can leave them to bath all by themselves without supervision. Some cues are when they can retain their balance when they bend over and can navigate the bathroom safely. Your child should be at least 9 years before you can let them bathe without supervision. Before then, teach your kid to never close the bathroom door. You should also be within earshot to make sure they are okay.
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