There is nothing wrong with your letting child watch their favourite show while getting their hair done, but, sometimes you might want to give them a break from the screen and you might not know where to start so, let’s explore a few ideas.

I will start by sharing that we wash our hair at the sink and we sit at the dining table for the active parts of the process. This works for us and allows for some “breaks” during hair washing where she can sit and play.

When washing a toddler’s hair, it’s essential to make the experience as enjoyable as possible. One way to ensure a positive experience is by involving the child in the process. Letting them participate, whether it’s finding the products, helping with detangling, or shampooing, can make them feel more in control and engaged. The Wash Day Book helps with this because children can grab the items needed, do the steps with supervision and choose their own style.

Now, here are some of the play suggestions as promised!

Open-ended toys

Opting for screen-free activities is a great way to keep them engaged and distracted. One idea is to provide durable and waterproof toys such as magnetic tiles, Lego, or blocks for the child to play with while their hair is being washed. These types of toys are not only safe to use in water but also offer endless possibilities for imaginative play and creativity. By incorporating these toys into the hair washing routine, parents can help make the experience more enjoyable for their little one while also promoting sensory stimulation and fine motor skills development.

Music

Playing music or doing a sing-along with your toddler during hair washing can be a fun distraction for both of you. Music can help create a positive atmosphere, making the experience less daunting for your child. The rhythm and melody can capture their attention and keep them engaged, diverting their focus from the hair washing process. Singing along together can also be a bonding activity, fostering a sense of closeness and comfort. The familiar tunes and lyrics can provide a sense of security and familiarity, helping to soothe any anxiety or resistance your toddler may have towards getting their hair washed. Overall, incorporating music into this routine can turn a potentially stressful task into an enjoyable and memorable moment for both parent and child.

i-Spy

I-spy with your toddler can be a fantastic distraction, not only during hair washing time but this is a favourite game of mine when we are waiting for a long time – traffic jams, airports, doctor’s appointments. This simple yet engaging game can turn a potentially stressful situation into a fun and entertaining experience for both you and your child. By focusing on finding different objects or colors in the bathroom or around them, your toddler’s attention is diverted from the task at hand, making the hair washing process more manageable. The game not only creates a positive association with the activity but also helps in building language skills, observation, and cognitive abilities in your little one. Next time you dread hair washing time, remember that a quick round of i-spy can turn it into a much-anticipated event for your child.

Talking / story telling

Engaging toddlers in conversation and storytelling while washing their hair can transform a mundane task into a fun and interactive experience. By incorporating imaginative tales or discussing their favourite characters, children become more invested and cooperative during the hair-washing process. The distraction provided by storytelling can help alleviate any fear or resistance they may have towards getting their hair washed. Additionally, talking to toddlers during this time builds a stronger bond between parent and child, fostering trust and communication. This technique not only makes hair washing more enjoyable for the child but also allows for quality bonding time between parent and toddler.

I hope you enjoy these ideas! I’d love to know if you have other strategies that work well for your family. Please share them in the comments!