Yeah, it's redundant. But kind of catchy, don't you think? Kind of like Attachment Parenting. But not.
We're going through a Just Say No to Baths phase. We've been there before, a while back, and it magically went away when we started changing the color of the bath water with fizzy bath tablets.
That gimic doesn't work this time.
This morning it was evident that it was time to press the issue. Because the Bob the Builder shirt he'd been wearing for I don't know how many days really needed to get into the wash, before it melded into his skin. But see, I'm not into baths by force. Not only isn't it fun for the child, it royally sucks for the parents. We did a bath by force on the little guy's birthday, and it was brutal. For everyone. Tears all around. Practically.
No, I didn't want that today.
I'd already exhausted the bath gizmos I picked up from Eckerd's clearance shelf. Sudsy Mudsy. Race cars and a wrench of soap. Apparently they're good for a one-time enticement into the tub.
I prepared the bath -- poured some bubbles, lined up a bunch of favorite toys, got the plastic tea pot ready... and there was no way he was getting in. "No no no no!!!!!"
So what do you do when your obstinate stubborn strong-willed darling son does not waver in his resistance to bathing?
Well, I didn't know what to do, so I tried something new today: psychology.
Mom: Well, if you don't want a bath, I think I'll get in the tub. No sense wasting a good bubble bath.
Son: No! No, you can't!
Mom: (As she takes her clothes off and steps into the tub) Why not? I'm going to get in here and play with the toys.
Son: (Grabbing at Mom's hand) No, no you can't get in the tub! I'm getting in the tub!
Mom: Oh, you want to get in here with me?
Son: No, you get out!
Mom: Oh, so if I get out of the tub, you'll get in?
Son: Yes!
Mom: Really? If I get out, you'll get into the tub?
Son: Yes, yes!
And you know what?
He did.
I put my clothes back on, astounded by the turn of events.
I'm not sure what I'll try next time -- I doubt that technique will work twice.
I'm hoping this phase passes again, before I run out of ideas...









