Children often learn by mimicking the actions of parents and carers. Daniel and Emma like to join in with things that the see us doing. Daniel has in the past month got really interested in cleanliness and bathtime habits and pretends to put shampoo and talcum powder on his bears. This gave me a great idea for water play with him.
Last week, before the regular wash of his four most treasured (and thus filthy) bears I set up a little bath for them and let him wash them. I used a large storage box, put some warm water in it and let him add his bears and mimic bath time.
He had great fun cleaning them, and Emma tried to join in too. It was a really quick and easy activity to set up and it was good to see if Daniel could remember the order we do things, so for example getting undressed, checking the water temperature, washing, cleaning teeth, adding talc etc.
We had a lovely 20 mins or so before the bears made their way to the washing machine for the full clean.
There are lots of ways this could be extended, perhaps having an early bath and putting the bears in the bath with your child? Making a boat for the bears to sail around the bath in? We will be doing that in the future I think.
We will be doing this again, most probably when Emma’s lion is due a bath!
That’s a lovely idea, we’ve only done washing things outside before. X
thanks, He had great fun cleaning them 🙂
Ah this is a lovely idea, we normally sneak them straight into the washing machine but getting the kids involved with cleaning them is a great idea, and what kids don’t like water play? Xx #toddlerapprovedtuesday
such a great idea, playing with water is great fun! Is that you sneaking into a couple of photo’s 😉 lovely to see you 🙂
thanks so much for linking #toddlerapprovedtuesday
How cute is Daniel in those photos 🙂 I love this idea – a great way to involve Daniel. Thanks for linking up to #playathometuesdays
Great fun! Water play is my eldest’s favourite play! 🙂
He he! How have i never thought to do this! Evies ‘snuggles’ (her comforters) are just the grimmest comfort blankets ever! they are in BIG need of a wash, maybe we could try this!
#ToddlerApprovedTuesday
Daniel’s various bears get really mucky so baths are a common occurence here!
Love water play – so quick to set up when you need to fill some time. Just can’t wait for the warmer weather so we can do it outside 🙂 #ToddlerApprovedTuesday
Aw this is such a cute idea! 😀 I love it, I think I will try this with Luke and see how he goes with it. xxx #ToddlerApprovedTuesdays
Brilliant. X