Why I Love Bath Time, Cymplified!

No, it’s not because of some special shampoo or body wash that I or the kids use.

I usually look forward to weekends. The children get to rest from school. Helping them with their homework is less hurried, therefore, less stressful. I, on the other hand, get to sleep in, sometimes.

Yet, I dreaded last weekend because the second quarter exams were just around the corner. I almost wished that Saturday would not arrive. But, of course, Saturday did arrive and we started to review in the morning. Later, Ella asked if she could bathe both our dogs. I told her she could when she’s done studying.

Four o’clock found the kids and me in the bathroom, huddled over a large basin filled with water and dogs. We showered our pets, rubbed them with shampoo, rinsed them (tails, paws & all), and wiped them with their towels. My back ached, and so did the eldest’s, our eyeglasses were blurry, we were all wet; but we were laughing.

I realized, when I was about to take a bath myself, that I love bath time. It’s not just the alone time I was afforded.

◊It’s the chance to take care of myself and soothe my back with streams of warm water.

◊With the flow of water from the shower head, thoughts and ideas also flow.

◊Bathing my little ones one by one allows me to have one-on-one conversations with each one.

◊It’s a good moment to teach them personal hygiene – something that they will inculcate as habit for the rest of their lives.

I started to read the ebook Hands Free Life by Rachel Macy Stafford, the blogger behind www.handsfreemama.com. I have been reading her blog for some time now. I was attracted to the idea of having my hands free of gadgets & distractions so I could focus on my children. I have been (still am) trying to put down the smartphone, close the laptop and say ‘yes’ when they ask me to dance, play or draw.

Being in the bathroom, I am forced to not check my social media or play 4 pics one word. The kids are compelled to not watch TV, use the computer and play games on the phone. These devices have such a strange and strong pull. If only we could stay in the bathroom forever!

I know we all would if we had a big bath tub! Heehee!

But, seriously, just being able to take a bath, just having clean water, is already a blessing. Sometimes, I take it for granted.

I am trying not to, though. Not just baths, but also other needs that God has filled, even superficial ones. Like being a stay-at-home mom who can personally shower my children with water… And love.

Bath time is a gift… And while they’re little, I am glad I could enjoy it with them. It’s when I could connect with them, answer their questions about their bodies and talk about anything.

I love bath time!

Do you? 🙂