How do I keep patience when bath time turns into splashing and delays? 

Parenting Perspective 

Bath time can often begin calmly but quickly descend into a playful chaos of splashing and delays. While the mess and drawn-out routine can certainly test a parent’s patience, these moments also present an opportunity to establish routines and model calm self-control. 

Acknowledge Play While Setting Clear Limits 

It is natural for children to want to play in the water. Acknowledge their desire for fun, but do not let it derail the main purpose of the bath. Setting clear boundaries keeps the atmosphere light while ensuring the task gets done. 

• You could say, ‘Splashing is fun, but the water needs to stay inside the tub.’ 

• Or, ‘We can play with your bath toys for five minutes, but then it is time to wash up.’ 

Establish a Predictable Routine 

A consistent and predictable sequence of steps helps children feel secure and understand what is expected of them, which can reduce delays. 

• You can establish a simple order: rinse the body, wash with soap, rinse again, and then have a few minutes of playtime before drying off. 

• For younger children, a visual chart with pictures or a simple bath time song can make the routine easier to follow. 

Offer Choices to Encourage Cooperation 

Providing simple choices gives your child a sense of involvement and control, which can reduce power struggles and encourage them to cooperate. 

• Ask questions like, ‘Would you like to wash your hair first or last?’ 

• Or, ‘Shall we use the red towel or the blue one to dry off today?’ 

Maintain a Calm and Steady Tone 

Your calm presence is the most effective tool for helping your child settle. Instead of raising your voice when they delay or splash, repeat your instructions calmly and firmly. Your calm consistency is more effective than anger. 

• Gently remind them, ‘I see you are having fun, but remember, the water stays in the tub.’ 

• You can give a calm two-minute warning before playtime is over. 

Spiritual Insight 

Seemingly mundane routines like bath time can become tests of our patience. Islam teaches that exercising patience in these small, everyday tasks is a form of worship, and that the most effective way to guide children is through gentleness and mercy. 

The Virtue of Patience in Small Matters 

Even minor frustrations, like a messy bath time, are opportunities to practise patience and draw closer to Allah. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Anfaal (8), Verse 46: 

‘And obey Allah (Almighty) and His Prophet (Muhammad ﷺ), and do not dispute (with each other) as it may weaken (your ranks), and would reduce your strength, and show resilience; indeed, Allah (Almighty) it is with those people who are resilient.’ 

This verse reminds us that patience preserves our inner strength and earns us the companionship of Allah, whether we are facing large trials or small, daily tests. 

The Prophetic Example of Gentleness 

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught that mercy and gentleness are the foundations of guiding children, especially during moments of struggle. 

It is recorded in Sunan Abu Dawood, Hadith 4943, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘He is not one of us who does not show mercy to our young and honour our elders.’ 

This Hadith encourages us to respond to our children’s playful delays with mercy, not harshness. By remaining patient during bath time, you are not just managing behaviour; you are modelling a core Islamic virtue.