Embracing Bath Time: A Journey to Healing and Joy

Understanding the Inner Child

Lately, I’ve been noticing how my inner alarm goes off during bath time with my kids. I always feel overwhelmed, irritated, and angry. There’s this sudden pressure in my chest, a wave of urgency and anxiety that hits me out of nowhere. When I’m helping my kids in the shower — hearing the water, the splashing, their pure giggles, and total presence in the moment — something inside me tightens. I try to enjoy their bath-time joy.

But every giggle irritates me. Every splash makes me tense and defensive. Their happiness should feel enough—yet my body panics: “This isn’t safe.”

The Weight of Childhood Memories

I don’t have clear memories of my childhood around bath-time chaos, but my body kept the memory:

• Maybe soap in my eyes and I wasn’t allowed to cry.

• Perhaps the way babies were bathed in my culture left me feeling like I was drowning.

• Maybe I was the little helper pouring water over younger siblings, always responsible, never carefree.

• Or the neighbor teen who used to peek through the open-top bathroom wall when I was naked and small.

  
  

Whatever the exact scenes were, my body kept the score.

A Conversation with My Inner Child

So now I pause, put a hand on my chest, and speak to that little girl inside:

“It wasn’t your fault. You are safe now. Nothing here is going to hurt you. I’ve got you, babe. Let me hold you. It’s okay to splash, it’s okay to laugh — we’re allowed to have fun.”

This inner work is quiet, but it’s enormous. Breath by breath, I’m bringing both of us — the little me and the present me — back into the warm water, back into the giggles, back into the safety that we’re finally creating together.

The Healing Power of Play

My inner child is hearing me, and she’s starting to believe it’s safe to play again in the shower. ❤️

Finding Joy in the Chaos

Bath time can be a whirlwind. It’s a mix of laughter, splashes, and sometimes, a bit of chaos. But what if we could embrace that chaos? What if we could find joy in the messiness of it all?

When I let go of my expectations, I start to see the beauty in the moment. The giggles of my kids become a melody, a reminder that life is meant to be enjoyed. I can choose to join in their fun instead of resisting it.

Creating a Safe Space

Creating a safe space for my children means healing my own past. It’s about breaking the cycle of anxiety and fear. I want my kids to feel free, to splash, to laugh, and to enjoy their bath time without the weight of my past holding them back.

Every splash is a step toward healing. Every giggle is a reminder that we can create new memories together.

The Journey of Self-Discovery

This journey isn’t just about bath time. It’s about discovering who I am as a parent and as a person. It’s about understanding my triggers and learning to respond with love instead of fear.

I’m learning that it’s okay to feel overwhelmed. It’s okay to acknowledge my feelings. But it’s also important to move through them. To breathe, to pause, and to connect with my inner child.

Embracing the Present Moment

In those moments of chaos, I remind myself to breathe. I focus on the present. I watch my kids play, and I let their joy wash over me. I’m learning to embrace the now, to find peace in the chaos.

Bath time is no longer just a routine. It’s a sacred space where healing happens. It’s where I reconnect with my inner child and allow her to play freely.

Conclusion: Blooming into Our Fullest Selves

As I navigate this journey, I realize that it’s all about blooming into our fullest selves. It’s about breaking free from old patterns and creating the relationships we truly desire.

So, the next time bath time rolls around, I’ll be ready. I’ll be ready to splash, to laugh, and to embrace the joy of the moment. Because in that chaos, we’re not just washing away dirt—we’re washing away the past and making room for a brighter future.

Let’s allow ourselves to bloom, together.

Sangeetha 💕