“It is a great thing to take these young and tender lives, rich with so many possibilities of beauty, of joy, of power, all of which may be wrecked, and to become responsible for their shaping and training and for the upbuilding of their character.  This is what must be thought of in the making of a home.” JR Miller

Over the Christmas holiday, I read a book (not the book pictured above) about how to enjoy everyday life in the home, as families.  It was an inspiring and beautiful book.  However, nothing really excited me very much until I read a little section about making bathtime a happy event in a child’s day.  This, I could do! 

Giving the little ones their bath is ordinary event that I typically rush through without thinking much of the fact that bathtime is, in the world of a child, a undeniable favorite time of day.  And I understand, because as a busy mama, a retreat to my own big bathtub filled with hot water and fragrant bubbles is STILL a favorite time for me, too. 

I’ve been waking up to the fact lately that just because I’m a mom of seven children doesn’t mean I have an excuse to let ANY one of my children to be unkempt.  It’s so easy to get lazy, or forgetful, or rushed, and to let *the young boys run to the bus in the morning with dirty fingernails and hair standing on end.*  

There have been times when I would look at a child and think, “When WAS the last time he/she had a bath?”   

These things happen as life goes through busy seasons, but in general I do believe that as women, part of our great responsibility as mothers is to keep our children well-groomed, no matter what their age.  These little ones are a reflection of US, and all through the ages, women (our grandmothers) have taken pride in their sweetly dressed and combed sons and daughters.  It is a God-given joy in life to do the job He gave us as well as we can with what we have, and I want to take advantage of this joy in raising my family.

Here are some suggestions for bathtime according to age groups.

For the Littles (babies, toddlers):  bubble bath, tear-free shampoo, gentle washing soap, lotion, and powder.  Very carefully wash faces and hands throughout the day as needed (no scrubbing necessary unless magic marker is involved), change clothes as needed, use powder at diaper changes.  Keep nails short.  Brush teeth.

For the Middles: (around ages 5-9)  Yummy smelling shampoo and conditioner, fun scrubbies, bubblebath, detangling spray for the girls, and vaseline (for chapped lips or dry skin patches).   The boys in this age bracket are particularly prone to poor hygiene if left to fend for themselves.  They still need their mamas, so do a daily “once-over” inspection.  Comb hair, use a spritz of hairspray if necessary to keep those cowlicks in place.  Fix the girls’ hair and have fun with ribbons and barrettes.  I have found that a spray bottle filled with water is very helpful with fixing hair.  Make sure children change underwear and socks daily, and have perfectly clean clothes and shoes that fit for school and church (they grow so fast!)  Supervise good tooth brushing and flossing.

It’s important to start verbally teaching these children good grooming habits, so that by the time they are in the older group they can take care of themselves! 

For the Olders:  Deodorant, lotions, brushes and combs, hair styling sprays and gels, face wash, perfume and cologne, good shampoos, soaps, and body washes.  Soon the older teenagers will need razors and lessons on shaving.  The older girls need their own stash of personal items, hair things, and basic cosmetics.  Girls with long hair may still need help, and I still put ribbons in Grace’s hair at times. 

I still have to remind my older ones if I notice certain things are being neglected, but for the most part, all we need to do with these older children is keep the bathroom well stocked.  Trips to the dermatologist or orthodontist may also be in order if they are troubled with any of those particular issues that come along with these growing years.

*I generally have my children bathe or shower daily (or, sometimes twice daily!)  The little ones do tend to sleep better after a good long soak, and as we can’t leave them alone, it gives me the perfect excuse to sit down and read a book or magazine as they play in the water. 

*I always gave my little babies baths in the kitchen sink, lined with a thick towel.

*Sometimes if the middle ones are really bored and going stir-crazy, my solution is for them to “go take a bath”!  Then, they fill the tub with water and toys and have a grand ol’ time.

*I go through my children’s clothes constantly, to donate to goodwill, or hand down to a sibling, things that a particular child has grown out of.  I throw away anything that’s got big holes or stains (it happens).

*Remember to wash outerwear now and then. Those jackets and coats get pretty dirty, too. 

Enjoy making your beautiful children clean and sweet, and please let me know if you have any thoughts about this topic, unless it has anything to do with ironing.

“It is in her own home that this warmth of heart and this openness of hand are first to be shown.  It is as wife and mother that her gentleness performs its most sacred ministry.”  J.R.Miller

Rest assured, if you are a mama of preschoolers, I can tell you that there WILL come a day when you can take your children with you to the bookstore and relax with them over books. 

Don’t let anyone give you the idea that teens are difficult because it’s just not true.  These lovely older children can wipe their own noses and can wander around without getting lost.  Odds are they WON’T spill their hot chocolate.  They don’t need you to take them potty, they can talk to you in a mature fashion, and they won’t pull books off the shelf just to throw them on the floor.  On top of all that, they’re just as cute as their preschool siblings!

Recently, I was tired, I needed some R n’ R, I needed quiet, I wanted to be AT THE BOOKSTORE. 

(one of my favorite places to be, you see)

What I needed, too, were some comfortable, *tried and true* friends to come along.

Happily, but not surprisingly, Jacob, Ethan, and Grace were more than willing to make the trip.

(it’s one of their favorite places to be, too)

While we were there, we had deliciously creamy hot chocolate and nobody spilled.

The boys quietly wandered around and looked at books together, while Grace stuck by me and chattered.

We sat, all cozy, at little round tables to enjoy our books and magazines.

I didn’t read a thing to them, but daughter Grace read to me.

And, although I tried to wipe a few noses, no one would let me. 

We can only be said to be alive in those moments
when our hearts are conscious
of our treasures.  ~Thornton Wilder

All that we behold is full of blessings.  ~William Wordsworth

Our littlest, youngest of the siblings, the baby.  Biggest brother Jacob asked to buy the dark green dress for her.  She wore it to church today and learned to leave her hair pretty alone.  I bounced her on my knee to keep her quiet during the prayers, Scripture readings, and announcements;  I held her in my arms as we stood to sing the grand old hymns.  She tried to sing along.  She squirmed.  She made eyes at the people behind us.   On our way home from church she put her finger in her mouth and fell sound asleep.  Papa carried her to her crib and gently left her to nap.   Later, I went upstairs to get her because she’d been there long enough and I missed her.

Sitting down in a chair, I kiss her cool, soft cheek and brother Davy snaps the picture.

Of a delighted mama, and her delightful princess, on a Sunday afternoon.