There are moments in motherhood that are so big, so significant, that you know from that day forward, your life will never be the same. These moments are such important milestones that mere words fail to convey the revolutionary impact these events will have on your children and, yes, your entire family.
I’m talking about what recently happened in our home: the girls started taking their own baths. (Cue the Hallelujah Chorus and patriotic display of fireworks.)
I cannot tell you what a difference this seemingly small developmental feat has made in our lives. For those of you who are faithful readers of this blog (“Thanks, Mom and Dad!”), you may remember a previous post when I likened bath time at our house to Meryl Streep’s shower scene in Silkwood. Seriously, there was some strong resistance and it wasn’t pretty. A lot of whining, crying, pouting and screaming…and the kids were bad, too.
But it’s like everything else with children. Once they decide to do something and it’s THEIR idea – whether it’s bath time or potty training or putting a stop to thumb sucking – the struggle goes away and the previously frustrating experience becomes easy and effortless from the parents’ standpoint.
Our daughters now take daily baths without being hounded to do so – in fact, they often ask if they can take one before I even think to suggest it. Our oldest can do everything by herself, from start to finish. Our youngest still needs a little help shampooing her hair, but without the accompanying fight and gnashing of teeth, I’m happy to help.
This sudden interest in personal hygiene began shortly before our 21-year-old cousin came to stay with us for the summer. However, her presence in our house has encouraged and reinforced our girls’ desire to look cute – and the fact that she often dries and styles their hair after they’ve had a bath can’t be hurtin’ either!!
If cleanliness is next to godliness, then at least we’re on the right track.
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