Bathtime Activity: 5 Years

Bathtime is a great time to reinforce basic concepts, such as size, quantity, and color. Have toys in the bathtub that encourage your child to fill and dump. Have toys that are large and small, as well as the same toys of different amounts and different colors. Make comparisons and draw his attention to quantities/amounts. Be sure to model the language you want your child to to use (e.g., “Do you have more red bowls or blue bowls?” or “You have four boats following each other in a row. Let’s count them—1, 2, 3, 4.”).

Possible Intervention Strategies & Supports

• If your child has difficulty when it is time to get out of the tub, set a timer that will prepare him for the end of bath time. The timer can be visible from the tub. Some children will need a verbal warning before the actual timer goes off.

• If your child is resistant to the idea of doing things by himself, introduce independence slowly. Use first/then statements, such as, “First, wash your feet and legs. Then, I will wash your hair.” Increase the amount of demands you expect of him as time goes on.

• Some children may have difficulty with balance, so getting in and out of the tub safely with adult stand-by supervision is important. Have your child support his body with both hands and extend his arms on the side of the tub while swinging one leg into tub, then the other.

Tips

Although your child is becoming quite independent by age 5, it is still never a good idea to leave your child unattended in the bathtub. Your child may also ask about taking a shower at this age. This is certainly appropriate as long as a parent or caregiver stands just outside of the shower and assists with self-care tasks as needed. A child who is still afraid to get his face wet is probably not ready for a shower.

Family Handout

Click here to download an editable one-page handout of this age range's bath time activity, interventions, and tips.