My 3 Year Old Daughter Refuse to Take a Bath

If she would rather take a shower, then let her shower rather than bathe. Honestly, the point of it is to get clean and is this the hill you want to die on?... which is what my grandmother would say and she's right. What's the priority here- that she's clean or that she took a bath?

Be consistent and don't cave in when she cries. If you do it, even one time, she'll think that tantruming is the way to get her needs met!

I agree with the answers about letting her take a shower, if it's a possibility in your house. Also, a 3yo often doesn't need to bathe very often. Unless she's in the mud daily, a bath or shower once or twice a week should do the trick.

This sounds like my son. He doesn't want to stop doing what's he's doing to stop and take a bath. I

found having some new toys to play with helps "lure" him in. He's OBSESSED with the color change cars from "Cars" so once he does get in the tub he has to be dragged out after we hit the one HOUR mark and I get tired of adding warm water to the cold water.

I'm pretty sure it's just a power play.

My 3 yr old used to refuse also....I bought those crayola color tablets that you toss in the tub and they change the color of the water. She thinks that they are the best thing in the world!! She actually asks to get a bath sometimes now.

I would just shower with her for now. It probably is just a phase.

I can't get my 3 year old out of the shower / bath! We started young with him, having him shower with us (around 3 months? Really early) he's done great. He loves it! Now he wakes up and wants to shower with me every morning. He's come to realize some days he can take a bath after, and some days he can't.... depends on the schedule.

Maybe by doing this together, you can build this up to a nice, enjoyable time?

I don't have any suggestions about getting her into the bath after her fit... Sorry!

Hi,

I think it just might be a phase. My daughters did this too. If you are comfortable with her taking a shower, let her. I would definitely stay in the bathroom with her and help her out (you may get a little wet). I would also get one of those grippy mats that can go into the tub so she does not slip.

Do you not want her to take a shower? My son has been showering since he was about 3. Pick your battles =-)

As far as the tantrums, she is trying to gain some control. I say give her some, offer choices, but never give into a tantrum.

A book that I've heard great things about is "How to talk so your kids will listen...."

Hi M.,

It sounds like typical 3 year old trying her wings and seeing howo much control she has. Control of your environment is very important so make sure that she can control some things like which of two shirts she would like to wear, which fruit she would prefer, but do NOT give her control over things that she has no business controlling i.e. Do you want to come to the store with Mommy, or we are going to go to the store now...okay? If it is not a question don't present it as one, and if you are presenting her with choices, make sure it is a choice you can live with and honor.

As for bath time you can make it a choice if that is what you wish and give her showers of you can let her know in no uncertain terms that it is not a choice. BUT you can make it seems as though she has a choice by saying something like "I know you don't like baths right now, but you must take one. Would you like your bath with or without bubbles?" "Would you like your bath in the morning or at night"; if that is an option. Let her choose the washcloth etc.

Good luck!
T. Nelson

If she is your only kid and doesn't share a bath then if she takes a shower w/you, you will save water.

Maybe she picked the bad behavior up from daycare? Maybe she over-heard someone "bad-mouthing" baths? Has she told you why the bath is jucky...have you asked? Also ask her why she likes the shower. She is old enough to do a pro-con list so maybe you guys can work on a list together and decide together which is better. :)