Doesn't want to use warm water and soap

[ParamedFlorena]

I am at a total loss with my daughter now. She's 5 1/2. She is a trip on brushing her teeth at night. Usual story - doesn't want to go to bed. Somehow hauling the time is a part of the issue about having her wash her face, hands etc before she goes to bed. She simply yells of resistance at the thought of simple hygiene - warm water and soap. It does work some evenings to tell her she'll smell, itch and she does wash with at least luke-warm water and if she doesn't see me add soap to it. How much can I push her?

She doesn't shower on her own and me showering together with her is too cold for me. I don't understand how she can take all that cold water. Again: Too warm - she cries. Her father showers with her and frankly: I am hesitant about being blamed for being careless once she starts school and have people wondering what goes on in our home! It is the only option (besides a bath) I've got to keep her clean without a fight... Many evenings I give up and let her win. Bedtime is easy once she's rewarded with a little bit of reading on the bedside.

She's never been burnt by hot water what I know or can tell but it must come from somewhere. If anyone has any suggestions, I'm thankful!

Florena

[ParamedFlorena]

Thank you for a confirming answer. Myself I grew up without my biological mother, and when I got a stepmother everything became a great fight.
Guess I just don't want to pass that on...

I guess I can't avoid the 20-minute long discussions about her getting washed. It was the same about the toothbrush. Ack - small children, small problems. Isn't that what they say?

I did at least put my foot down about it the other day - her father finds clothes to her in the morning and takes care of that - I take care of the evening and bedtime routines!

Florena

[treazzure007]

I couldnt really suggest much with this one except to invest in/install a shower hose attachment which makes the handling easier and allows you to bathe her separately on her own.  She is too old to be bathing with parents --especially a grown man.