Bathing/Showering
Bathing/showering is a difficult issue. Getting your child to bathe can be easier if the child has to ask to take a bath. If you order him to bathe he will often just waste time and materials. A disturbed child may choose to push people away with his body odor. It’s hard to hug a child and hold your breath, but it can be done!
Option: In order to eat at the dinner table, each child is expected to get cleaned up for dinner. This means hair is combed, hands are washed, and child smells OK. If this criteria is not met, the child eats his meal in the laundry room or picnic table, weather permitting.
Option: A smell-good chart, strategically placed on the wall across from the toilet, sometimes helps. The child places star stickers on the chart, each day he chooses to wash himself. This way, the child is taking all the units of concern. It is there, as a reminder, every time the child sits on the pot. This method builds self-image in the child as he rewards himself with stars or smiley faces.
Option: Have your child (10 or younger) join you daily and brush your teeth, comb your hair, wash your faces, together. Setting an example is the best way to start good habits for your child. As he internalizes your tooth brushing method, it’s fun to observe the tiny details he picks up and copies from
your daily ritual. ~: When the stench of maggots encircles your child to the degree he is no longer huggable; beware. If your child gets too smelly (three months without a bath is the record at my house), and is pushing this hard to keep you at arms length, intensive therapy is required!
Option: Have the child put on swimming trunks if needed and bathe him yourself just as you would a younger child. This must be done lovingly. Try singing “rubber ducky” While you scrub! It is important to give a clear message that you will love this child and do anything necessary in order to continue to hug, hold, and be close to the child. Done lovingly, you can both win on this one.
Option: You can try having a Saturday night “Salon Night” where you focus on fun. Wash the child’s hair in the sink and try new hairdos. Be sure there is lots of laughing, eye contact and fun for both of you.
