I blogged on bathing Haruka when she was around 3 months old and again when she was 6 months to a year old. Then, she was dependent on daddy's support while bathing her and to teach her to play in the bath tub.
After 1 year old, babies can most certainly sit in the bath tub by themselves. They are no longer fearful of being alone in the water. Daddies role then is to talk to her and keep her bath time exciting. But, this special time would not last forever, as the baby begin to develop their sense of space and independent play.
After 1 year old, I noticed Haruka enjoys talking and listening more than just mere playing. She observes different creative ways to play with the water. She enjoys me singing to her while bathing. She enjoys me talking to her. It is the best opportunity for daddy to build quality time to communicate.
I would ask Haruka, "ho
w was your day today? Are you happy today?". Even if she does not answer, she understands. Later, as this is repeated regularly, she would nod when its a yes, and later, she even speaks about what she did in simple words. "Did you play with the babies? Are the babies clever and good today?". I always try to ask Haruka questions that she can say yes to or nod. This allows her to be happy to communicate as she can respond and knows that I understand her communication.
w was your day today? Are you happy today?". Even if she does not answer, she understands. Later, as this is repeated regularly, she would nod when its a yes, and later, she even speaks about what she did in simple words. "Did you play with the babies? Are the babies clever and good today?". I always try to ask Haruka questions that she can say yes to or nod. This allows her to be happy to communicate as she can respond and knows that I understand her communication.
Though, whenever daddy is busy for a few days in a row, that bath time role can easily be lost. At an age where Haruka begins to like to play or do things her way, she would find the bath tub too crowded for 2 people. That is a sign that the child is growing. Now, I still have a chance to feed her and later drive her. But, I doubt she would stay a baby forever. Nor daddy's little girl.
Do you daddies still bath your kids? How old are they? Do you leave them to play after the initial scrub and cleaning?
(Photos show evidence of daddy spending time to bath Haruka (with his swimming trunks daily), and my last few photos of Paris at the Museum Carnavalet, Opera Garnier and the Obelisque).
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