We are starting to get our 7 y.o. daughter to be more responcible for her self cleaning when she takes a bath. She washes her own body (though I worry not well enough) and has started to try and wash her own hair. She usually leaves large amounts of shampoo in the back that she can't seem to get out. She has a hard time getting to all of her hair when she is trying to wash it as well and I always have to rinse it after she's rinsed it.
At what age should a child be doing this for themselves? It seems to me we should be at that point or there soon. Any thoughts?
Thanks for the help, moms!
Hi N..
My son is 4 and he is now old enough to wash himself although he gives me a hard time...ha ha. Anyway that is a good age to allow themselves to wash in the shower...they should know what spots to wash and using a non stinging shampoo should do it. HOpe that helps...Happy New Year. Any tips on how to become a Mom-trepenuer??? I am always looking to work and I can never seem to find anything. Thanks! :)
I think my 6 yo son will let me wash him until his prom.
My daughter too is 7 yrs old. She just recently starting bathing herself (within the past few months). How bath time usually goes in our house is this: I give my almost 3 year old a bath, and while I am getting her dried off and dressed, my 7 year old gets her "shower" (standing up - mainly just washing her body and wetting her hair), then after the 3 yr old is dressed and hair brushed, I wash my 7 yr old's hair. She has really curly hair and can't quite seem to even get it all wet, so washing it with shampoo and rinsing is just not gonna happen (yet).
I have worried too that she isn't washing well enough, but I figure even at least her trying is something and a child that age doesn't really need to be super concerned with scrubbing (hasn't hit puberty yet, so no sweat or hormones in over-drive to worry about).
Hope this helps. Just know there are other moms out there in the same boat you are! :)
Hi N.,
I think it depends on the child and the mom. My daughter turned 5 in the fall and I've been letting her wash and rinse her body by herself. She knows what's most important to get clean :) Her hair is a different story--it's long so I make sure to wash and rinse that for her. She's usually in the tub so long, that if she misses anything, the soapy water will take care of.
B.
Are we talking about your 3 or 7 year old? My 4 yr old started washing herself(at least she thought she was) at 3years old. I would assist in the lathering on a sponge, and remind her where to wash. Ever since I can remember, my daughter has been taught how to wash herself. Even as far as me saying ....wash those legs, as I would be washing them...she would follow with, "washa ams mamma". Now at 4, she is taking showers, and washes very well. There are times when I still have to remind her, or if unsure, I have her re wash herself, and I will assist. Every child is different. I love Denise P response about her son will allow her till prom. :)
Even though my daughter is washing herself, I never leave her alone in the shower....I leave the curtain 1/4 of the way open. Sometimes I even shower with her, so I can visually see how she is progressing in washing herself. Thankfully, my daughter has always been the, "do it herself girl". It is hard to for me let her do it sometimes, but good that I am trusting her to do it. Although my friend has a 6 yr old, and he is just starting to wash himself throughly. It all depends on the child, and how well we trust that they are doing a great job. These times are proper important in teaching them hygenine.
My daughter (turned 8 dec 7th) only started taking a shower by herself a couple of months ago. I still start the shower and call out frequently "is everything ok?"
My boys are 6 and 8 and have been washing themselves - with my supervision - for about 6 months. I'm in the bathroom with them and I shampoo their hair, then they was themselves and rinse everything off. I check to make sure all the soap is out of their hair b/f they get out of the shower. They aren't ready to just be told to go and shower alone, yet - I think water would be all over the bathroom, but this is faster and easier on my back than baths. I think I have another year before they can be trusted to do it without supervision.
Hi N.! I don't think there is a "right" age persay..... If you don't know if she is washing well enough then she is not ready.
Absolutely let her physically wash her body, but be on hand to give verbal direction.
I would say that when you are MORE than confident that she is washing thoroughly that she could "go solo".
As far as the advice to have your 7 year old daughter help you while YOU are bathing......yeesh! I DON'T believe that falls under the catagory of socialization. Definitely not age appropriate!
Good luck, and YOU will know when she is ready! :)
Hi, N.:
Your daughter's bathing is a social time actually. Enjoy helping her and she can also help you when you are bathing. Just a thought!
Good luck. D.
When my oldest was 7 I let her with supervision to make sure she got clean and used shampoo and conditioner, we had problems with her getting them confused. She got better at 8 ISH and is 9 now and is completely on her own.
Joanna
Mommy to Mara 9, Cate 7,and Olivia 5
