If you are feeling tired and exasperated, playing in the bath is a really good way for children to enjoy the freedom of having no clothes on and to explore the endless possibilities that being in water offers. If you are stuck inside, you can always do this more than once a day, and if you don’t have a bath use the sink or a washing up bowl. It may give you a chance to take a deep breath – just sit next to your child as you supervise (always), be as calm as you can and regroup a little.
What you need A bath, sink or washing-up bowl (don't fill it too full), warm water, bubble bath, soap, sponge, flannel and towel
What to do
Invite your child to:
- undress, independently whenever possible, and fold their clothes neatly
- get into the bath or sink. Discuss the best way to get in – for example, they can hold your hand and step in, or put their hands in first and slide in
- sit with their legs outstretched and wiggle their toes and feet
- put their knees above the water, then below and repeat as quickly as possible
- pour in a little bit of bubble bath then move their arms and legs as vigorously as possible to create lots of bubbles – they may need some help from you!
- scoop up some bubbles with both hands and carefully place them on the side of the bath – you can then make a low ‘wall’ along the side
- pick up the soap and very carefully and lightly rub the soap over the bubbles – why do they slowly disappear?
- hold the soap between both hands with the soap peeping out (you need a slim piece of soap for this), then squeeze the soap hard and watch it jump out – like a soap dolphin!
- use a flannel or sponge and wash different parts of their body, not forgetting the smallest areas such as under their chin, behind the ears or between their toes
- take the plug out and watch all the water go down the plughole – what way does it go?
- slide up and down the bath on their backs and tummies
When it is time to get out, discuss the best way – older children may like to put their hands on the floor and slither out. Then your child in a towel – younger children may appreciate an extended time on the towel to kick and wave before nappies and clothes are put on again
What’s in it for children
Most young children enjoy the chance to take their clothes off and feel the freedom of being in water. It also offers a range of opportunities to be physically active in an easy and accessible way. This can be a good time to just chat and talk about how our bodies 'work'. As children won’t be having any swimming lessons at the moment, these activities continue to support water play so when they return to the pool the period of adjustment may be quite manageable.
Taking it forwards
You can extend your child's water play by including a range of scoops and small buckets or bowls to fill and pour. Flannels and sponges are also useful and children can practise a wide range of hand skills, such as rubbing, twisting and squeezing. You may also have bath toys like ducks that you can create stories around – for example, the duck learned to swim.
Next time we will explore floor exercises.