Rub-a-Dub-Dub, Why Study in the Bathtub?

Words by: Casandra Song

Bath time with kids can be a mix of splashes, giggles, and sometimes even a little bit of chaos. From bubbly adventures to sing-along songs, bath time can be filled with fun, but it is also a necessary routine between for children. As you know, for our study we gathered multiple bath time audio recordings during the COVID-19 pandemic from families, to determine whether its many factors affected parent-child interactions. However, why was bath time the ideal focal time period for language observation between parents and their children? Let’s swim right in!

Sometimes families wonder why this study did not center around other day-to-day activities, such as dinner time or car rides. Although they are great options to analyze relationships between parents and children, these settings come with significant variability and limitations. Dinner routines differ widely among families considering some eat together at the table, while others eat separately or on the go. Some families frequently dine out, and some families primarily eat homemade dinners. These various eating situations make it difficult to ensure consistent interactions. Similarly, car rides may not provide the best environment for language observation. Not all families rely on cars for transportation, and for those who do, external distractions such as traffic, music, or phone use can interfere with meaningful parent-child exchanges. Additionally, car rides often lack the same level of one-on-one engagement found in bath time, as parents must focus on driving rather than actively interacting with their child. These factors make both dinner time and car rides less reliable contexts for studying natural parent-child conversations.

Bath time stands at the unique crossroads of being both a daily chore and a potentially enjoyable activity for parents and children, making it an optimal setting for studying natural language interactions. Its routine and predictability provide a structured environment where parent-child exchanges can be observed consistently across different households. Unlike other parts of the day that may be fragmented, bath time requires increased parent-child interaction, as caregivers are actively involved, whether it is through singing, narrating actions, engaging in playful conversations, or simply helping a teary child through a tired task. This dedicated, one-on-one engagement sets bath time apart from free play, where other distractions or priorities may divide attention. These combined factors make bath time a rich and reliable environment for studying parent-child interactions and language development.

Despite its procedural nature, bath time overall is often overlooked as a valuable learning opportunity for parents, children, and researchers. For some families, it might play a crucial role in strengthening parent-child bonds, fostering language growth, and providing a sense of stability especially during uncertain pandemic times. The predictability and engagement of bath time create a natural space for meaningful interactions, where children not only feel comfortable but might also build essential communication skills through playful and affectionate exchanges as mentioned in a previous blog “So, what did we do today?” by Rachel Li.

Of course, as much is it can foster connection, bath time is just as often a whirlwind of chaos and messes. By understanding the ebb and flow of these moments, both researchers and parents can gain deeper insight into how everyday routines shape early language development. Recognizing the power of simple, daily interactions like bath time can encourage everyone to make the most of these opportunities, ensuring that even in times of crisis, connection and learning continue to flourish and splash on!