Some kids hate taking a bath or a shower. Bathing could be something they have always despised or a new revelation that has arisen every time parents want them to bathe. Regardless, it makes getting kids clean cumbersome at best for parents and at worst, an absolute nightmare. But because kids may not be able to verbalize why it is that they do not want to bathe, parents are left in the dark as to the reason for refusing to clean. And this is why parents may struggle to get to the bottom of why kids hate taking baths and/or showers.
Not all kids love to bathe. But at the end of the day, most can be coaxed into the bath or shower without too much of a fuss. However, there are some kids that regardless of how much parents have tried, just do not like getting into the water to get clean. When this happens, it can make every bath or shower difficult not only for kids but for parents as well. And because of how often kids need to bathe, there is no escaping the conflict that comes with getting kids clean.
Here is why kids hate taking a bath and/or showers.
Kids Hate Taking Baths Because It Interrupts Playtime
When kids are involved in playtime, the last thing they want to do is stop the fun to get clean. Because of this, they begin to see baths and showers as the reason why they have to end their fun and can hate them as a result.
According to the Child Mind Institute, kids can have problems with transitions. In fact, all people have problems with transitions. But because adults realize that things that have to be done are more important than things being done for enjoyment purposes only, they can be more mature about change. Kids have not yet reached this level of maturity and all they see is their fun coming to an end.
To combat this, parents may want to consider giving kids a countdown when they have to stop playing to bathe. This way, playtime can be wrapped up and kids do not feel like they are being caught off guard when told that they immediately have to stop what they want to do, to do something they have to do instead.
Temperature Of Water Could Make Kids Hate Taking Showers
Parents may believe that the temperature of the water that they put kids in is comfortable. However, if the water temperature is too hot or too cold for kids, they will hate taking a shower or bath because they are uncomfortable.
According to Parenting FirstCry, if kids are put into water that is drastically different from that of their body temperature, the water can be painful on the skin. If this happens repeatedly, kids are not going to want to bathe because they do not want to be uncomfortable.
If kids are allowed to have a say in the temperature of the water before they put their whole bodies into it, they may be more receptive to bathing. After all, if baths or showers are places where the body can relax, kids will put up less of a fight to get clean.
Getting Soap In Eyes Can Be Scary
Regardless of whether the soap is the tear-free version or not, getting soap in the eyes can be a scary experience. And if kids are prone to getting soap in their eyes every time they bathe, they may hate taking a shower or a bath.
When shampoo gets into kids' eyes, it can cause them to have blurry vision if it is the tear-free version, and it can be painful if it is not. And while simply washing out the eyes with water will help to flush the shampoo, according to the Better Health Channel, it can be a traumatic experience nonetheless.
To prevent shampoo from getting into the eyes, everything from shields, goggles, washcloths, and the like can be used. And after kids see after a few bathing sessions they will not get shampoo in their eyes; they may be more willing to bathe.
Kids May Have Sensory Issues That Make Them Hate Showers Or Baths
Bath and shower time can be full of sensory overload issues for kids. Because of this, it can cause them to despise bathing.
According to Today's Parent, sensory issues can come in many forms. Be it the sound of the water, the feel of the washcloth, the smell of the soap, and more, there is a lot for the senses to deal with. And while many kids can handle their senses being stimulated as the bath or shower gets ready, others cannot as it is too overwhelming and uncomfortable.
The only way to help with a sensory issue, per the publication, is to get to the bottom of what is making kids not want to be in the bath or shower. Once this is done, it is easier to bathe kids, knowing not to expose them to things that will trigger any sensory issues they may have. And when this happens, they may not hate bath or shower time so much.
Source: Child Mind Institute, Parenting FirstCry, Better Health Channel, Today's Parent