Bath Time?? - Logan,UT

My first guess--he has found something more interesting to him he would rather be doing!! Also--are you giving him a warning like "bath in 2 minutes", or just making him stop playing immediately? Sometimes kids get upset if you don't give them that warning time, and he has reached that age where his play is becoming more elaborate.

Secondly--same as the other moms. He really doesn't need a bath every night. Even your pediatrician would confirm this. Every other night would be sufficient, or 3 nights a week, whatever your schedule fits best. The best way to approach this so that it doesn't become a "i win you lose" situation, is to just drop it out of the routine one night without even mentioning it. Just skip right over it one night. If he mentions it just simply state "Mommy decided that a bath every other night might be better from now on." Then ask him "what would you like to do with that extra time form now on?" That might give you a clue as to why hes been fighting you on the bath.

However--the days that it is bath night, he doesn't have the right refuse, but you really don't want to make the bath a power struggle. So something like a new bath toy would likely do the trick. If you have never tried those tub color dyes--my son loved those when he was 2. Little tablets you drop in that change the water colors. You can drop in blue and red to get purple and so on. Maybe make something like that a once a week treat if he doesn't fight you the other nights.

A 2 1/2 year old isn't up for REFUSING anything, sorry but you need to let him know it isn't an option. If you have made bathtime fun and a routine he is just now testing you for power play and being defiant, sorry but that is how they work at this age. Explain how important a bath is, even offer it up as every other night (most kids do not need baths nightly unless they are outside a lot and can dry their skin). Give him some choices if he wants bubbles, what toys, what pajamas so he feels he has some say so, however negotiating whether he is taking a bath isn't up for discussion, you are the parent!

My oldest one (age 4 now) did the same thing at about 3 yrs old. He would get cold after the bath, but he also got bored. So I shortened bath time to help him stay warmer, and I bought new, more exciting bath toys. Remove the old toys, and when he gets bored again switch back to the other toys. It doesn't solve it everytime but it seems to help.

Also my second boy gets exema really bad. He started doing the same thing until I figured out that the more bathing he did the worse the skin condition became. I started using a better cream for him and that helped also.

My last thought is that there really is no need to bathe him everyday. I know that might sound gross, but if he doesn't get really sweaty or dirty, he may not need one. I understand the relaxing thing but try to get him relaxed by singing with him or to him. I hope everything gets better for you.

Also maybe try going to the store and letting him get something special for his bath time. Like a toy or a towel or some colors for the tub, something that will make him look forward to when he gets to use them - ONLY in the bath!

I agree with the gal who said it's not a negotiating point. Kids need to understand there are times they need to do what they are told. However, you might also give him the option of a shower or a bath. My kids love playing in the shower and then after a bit I lean in and wash them. It gives them something different every once in awhile and it's like playing in the rain - indoors!

Good luck-
C.