Bathtime

Bathtime is an ideal opportunity for water fun and everyday learning.

Many children love any activity that involves water, soap and splashing around – so bathtime can be a lot of fun! As soon they start to show an interest in washing themselves, let them try. There may well be chaos at first (so prepare to be soaked!) but you’ll have a clean, happy and proud child at the end of it.

Things to try

• Get them used to applying soap to a sponge or wash cloth, then let them start with their face.
• Talk about the other parts of their body that need washing and why, such as their arms, legs, tummy and toes.
• Talk about the body parts that need an extra scrub, like between their toes and behind their ears, and help them with the places that are hard to reach, such as their back.
• See if you can get some foam bath letters (around £4) for them to stick on the wall: no glue needed, they simply stick to the wall when wet.
• Show them how to wrap themselves in a warm towel when they get out of the bath so they associate bath time with feeling snug and happy.

What they’ll learn

• When you talk about the names of body parts, you’re helping your child with communication and language.
• When you sing songs and use foam letters, you’re helping them with their literacy and expressive arts.
• When you let them wash themselves, you’re supporting their personal, social, and emotional development.