bathing question?

Question

I have a 7 year old nephew that I have custody of. I am trying to get him to be more independent in the tub and wash himself completely. He constantly needs prompting and "help" with the shampoo and washing. At what age do most children tend to be able to be self sufficient in the bath or shower? Is there a way that I can introduce this? I have moved all of his bath stuff to one area so it is easy for him to get to and I have showed him how much soap to use and how to do everything but he acts as if he still needs me there to "coach" him. Do you think he is just acting babyish?

Answer 1

I think you have to give him a little room to make mistakes. You may have to give him a reward for getting it right and if he can do this four times out of seven he gets the reward. Maby as simple as pick out a movie to rent or just going to McDonald's for supper. Remember that in order to make good adult decisions you must make bad ones to learn.So its better to learn from his mistakes as a child than wait until he is a adult to start learning.When its time for his bath have him get his towel, and start his bath, while it is going go over the things he needs to do in the bath. Then let him know if he can do this you will reward him.Hope this works for you and him.Good Luck and remember you are learning as much as he is only for his benefit.

Answer 2

Well...i completely understand your frustration...But you have to realize that a shower/bath is a really big deal to a kid. As the child was growing up there has always been someone there with them helping them and guiding them. Now you feel that the child needs to "grow up" and take care of himself. The easiest way to get him to do that is by "weening" him away from your bathing guidance. At first be by his side the whole bath and show him what to do again, mostly for reassurance. Then later start making him do the tasks while you are right there watching. The next step would be just being in the bathroom while he is bathing and if he feels insecure or needs help you are there. (this is a very good time to get a little cleaning done too!) Then all of a sudden one day hopefully soon he will say that he does not need you there and that he can do in all by himself!

Answer 3

I dont know of any 7 year old that will take it upon theirselves to do most anything without prompting.
Kids are focused on playing and having fun. They are simply not interested in hygeine and chores. They wont be for quite some years. Get him used to a schedule. At a certain time he should take a bath. Let him get his pajamas ready. Let him take an active part of getting ready for the bath. You will have to run the bath to assure its a correct temp. Honestly I am not sure I would even think a 7 yr old could wash their hair properly.
Be patient and guide him.

Answer 4

He probably is feeling insecure still. You mentioned you have custody of him. He might be going thru all sorts of abandonment feelings and insecurities. I would still stay in the room until he becomes more secure with you and himself. Try going to target or other store and getting those bath paints that he can play with in the tub to keep him company and help with his bathing. There are all sorts of things you can try...like hand puppet bath clothes and character soaps. Give it a try. What do you have to lose?? A child who really needs you and your love and attention is what is the key here. Good luck and your doing a wonderful thing.

Answer 5

I think there is more to this than bathing. I would be curious why you have custody of your nephew and what age that occurred? If this is a recent happening, it may well be your nephew has separation issues. It could be the bath time represents the ultimate closeness - in essence baring himself to you as an act of submission (not sexual) desiring your acceptance of him. It becomes a "quality" time of being one on one with you.

If this makes sense, perhaps you could create other special times to spend with you nephew, and thereby wean him from the bath time togetherness.

On the other hand, while a seven year old is probably capable of bathing himself, there's really no harm in continuing the special time with him.

Answer 6

Allie is also responding to Rocky's eye damage and the scent of the vet's workplace and the remedy and the pressure greater than the tub. I have had many exotic cats, simply separately, via the years and used to provide them baths at all times mainly after they have been external. They received used to it. If you utilize hot water and the sink sprayer and positioned a towel within the backside of the sink or bath so they do not slip round they admire it. After all washing approach nurturing to cats, the moms wash the infants, and many others., they usually get the factor that you're good intentioned. Hope Rocky feels greater quickly!

Answer 7

My daughter is 7, and still needs help getting the soap out of her hair, and getting the final rinse.

No drowning scare - she is almost done all the swimming levels. At 7!!!! Competitive swimmer, etc etc etc

She wasn't babied - otherwise she soaks in the tub like any good teenager would. Some kids just need the help. Sit with him and talk to him while he does it!

Answer 8

My daughter is 9 and I still have to check in and remind her to wash everything. Kids don't really care about that at this age. Try to go through all the steps then leave for a while and go back and check in. Check in less each bath time but do a final inspection. Before you know it he will be off to college and you will be missing these days.

Answer 9

I think he's acting like a typical 7-year-old. Hygiene is just not a big priority in their lives, and probably won't be until they reach the age where they start worrying about getting girls to like them. Anticipate having to nag for a while longer. My son is 8, and I still have to smell him all over after his bath to make sure he really washed. Knowing I'll check is the only thing that keeps him honest about it!

Answer 10

He may just need some more time. Don't worry about it now. However, you can try buying fun bathroom products---like the Kandoos! They feature cute cartoon characters and encourage kids to use the products for bathing by utilizing fun and colorful packaging and shapes. For example, they have a soap foamer that he can make a soap beard out of and then wash his face with.