monday's five things: bath time fun for kids

Our two-year-old made a declaration the other day.

"I NOT take a bath. I take a shower."

Ohhhh yeahhhh.

While I admire her independence, it's not uber convenient to wash her hair while she takes a shower. I usually end up soaking wet (not ideal).

So here are are five ways we're bringing the bath time fun -- and coaxing her back into the tub.

1. Alex Toys Tub Tunes: These are LOTS of fun! Two of our favorites? The Tub Toys Water Whistle and the drum set. Don't worry! Neither is ridiculously loud or one of those annoying regret purchases. {{You know the ones! The colorful keyboard seemed like a great, educational toy at the store. Until your toddler proceeds to bang on it for three hours one afternoon.}} If you're local, we nabbed these at aMuse Toys.

2. Cooking. This is actually a trick we learned in swim class. Throw mixing bowls, spoons, and measuring cups into the tub and have your kiddo 'bake cookies.' Be prepared for lots of splashing when you start 'mixing' the batter.

3. Singing. The Bug LOVES music. I'll admit that I had to google the words to "Splish Splash,  I was Taking a Bath," but it's now a fan favorite. Other songs the Bug loves to sing in the tub?  Sesame Street's "Rubber Ducky" and "Almost There" from The Princess and the Frog.

4. Shaving Cream Bath Tub Paint: You've probably seen this idea on a billion blogs and kid websites. But have you done it yet? DO IT. It's a blast. And super easy. All you need is shaving cream, food coloring and a muffin tin. Hand 'em a brush and let them go at it! Need a tutorial? Check out the Having Fun at Home blog.

5. Pop-a-Bubble Game: Bring the bottle of bubbles inside -- and use the wand to blow them in the tub. Have your tike pop as many as he or she can (without standing up, of course!). It'll be just as big an attraction as blowing them on the sidewalk. Promise. And no worries about soap residue from the bubbles in the tub. Quick wipe down afterward and you're set.

What are your bath time fun strategies?

Image Credit: Stock Photo