8 keys to getting them to shower 2026

"But, mom, I already washed them this morning!" This is how blunt Nicolás is, that at seven years old he forgets, day in and day out, to wash his hands before eating. Normally, food tastes the same with dirty hands as it does clean, and he prefers not to waste a single minute of play.

At this age, personal grooming is usually the least of their worries, at best. Not only do they object to handwashing, they deny hygiene in general: at bath time they lag around, and they are all complaints when it is time to wash their hair, cut their nails or brush their teeth. If they finally agree, they do so quickly and reluctantly. None would pass the cotton test.

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Tricks to be cleaner

By teaching them to take care of their personal hygiene, we convey to them how important it is to love one's own body and how pleasant it is, not only to please others, but to feel good about oneself. But if we get too annoying, we will only increase their rejection and the matter will turn into a family conflict. What works best in these cases is to turn hygiene into something fun and pleasant. If they enjoy taking care of themselves, we will have won the battle against dirt.

Motivation. Let's think about how to encourage them. For example, those who refuse to take a shower will surely not resist a bathtub full of foam. At this age they still like toys: boats, water guns, gadgets to blow soap bubbles and diving goggles can be a good incentive.

We can let them listen to music in the bathroom, and we can also organize competitions, between siblings or with parents, when brushing their nails ("Let's see who gets them cleaner!") or when brushing their teeth ("Who can last longer gargling?").

More autonomy. It bothers them that we are constantly insisting that they wash, and even more so that we go over, sponge in hand, the conflict areas (see armpits, back, ears...). At this age they can wash themselves and, furthermore, those tasks that they hate the most, such as washing their hair, tend to be more bearable when they do them.

Let them take care of their hygiene, of course, without ceasing to supervise and reminding them, tactfully, of any forgetfulness. For a while it will be a good idea to help them with the difficult things: cutting their nails, clarifying and detangling their hair, etc.

Let them choose. Let's be flexible and give them freedom to decide some things: if they prefer a shower or a bath, if they want to wash their hair in the bathtub or in the sink, if they want to take a bath before or after doing their homework...

Pacts. You should not go overboard with hygiene, in fact it is known that contact with microbes during childhood facilitates the development of the immune system. It is best to negotiate with them some essential minimums: washing your hands before eating and after going to the toilet, brushing your teeth twice a day, a shower or bath three times a week, and one or two weekly hair washes may be enough.

Routine. It is necessary to make it clear to them when a shower is unavoidable, such as the days they have played sports. Making a calendar of the previously agreed upon "obligations" can serve as a reminder and save us many disputes.

Minimum time. To prevent them from washing too quickly or soaking for hours, we can establish a minimum or maximum duration, depending on the case. Putting an hourglass or kitchen timer in the bathroom is a fun way to measure time.

Attractive products. Letting them choose the toothpaste, gel, sponge or shampoo that they like the most can motivate them. Also, giving them hair decorations, a nice comb or a cologne can be the well-deserved reward after several weeks of washing themselves without having to be reminded.

"Adult" things. Many children are attracted to their parents' products and accessories, such as electric toothbrushes or devices for massaging their feet or back. We can let them use them, if they are not dangerous. We can also lend you our hair softener or our shower gel. Another suggestive idea is to temporarily give them our bathroom.