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Most children don't like taking baths. When they're young, they'd rather be running around outside with friends or watching TV'not stuck in a tub being washed by mom or dad. Since being dirty is usually not an option, consider remodeling your bathroom as a way to help make the process easier on everyone. The changes can actually make bath time fun as well.

What children really want

To begin this contemporary bathroom-remodeling project, you'll want to look at your bathroom as a child does. Take time to see what isn't inviting to them or safe. Dull colors and hard-to-reach areas can make the bathroom less attractive and accessible, and lead to problems when it's time to use it. Remember that children enjoy bright colors and items that are geared toward their imagination. One major thing you can do is to reserve one bathroom for your children's use: go all out with some fanciful d'cor that makes them feel both special and loved when they need to take a bath or use the toilet.

What you need to do

First pick an overall theme for your child(ren)'s bathroom. If your child likes certain animals or cartoon characters, create a wall mural based on them, and choose accessories that will echo the theme. Provide safe toys to play with while being bathed. That way, your son or daughter can focus on having fun rather than on the soap and shampoo that irritates the eyes and makes them cry.

Possible themes include:

' Jungle safari
' Aquarium
' A favorite fairytale

In order to create a child-friendly environment, look for fixtures that will grow as your children do. With a combined shower and tub system, for example, children will learn how to bathe themselves at any age. When they're first starting out, you can use a soft, kid-friendly shower curtain and then install a hard glass door when they're older. This allows your design to be both safe and stylish.

If you don't have the room

If you have a limited number of bathrooms and can't dedicate one entirely to your child(ren)'s needs, you can make some compromises that will work for everyone. Start by decorating as you normally would to suit your personal tastes and lifestyle. Make your kid(s) feel welcome by including plenty of toys, and towels decorated with their favorite characters, that appear at bath time. You can also hang a playful curtain on the inside of your shower so that it's visible to the child while bathing, but not to adults on the other side.

Safety is a big concern wherever children are concerned, so be sure to have slip-resistant walking surfaces throughout the bathroom, including the tub or shower stall. You'll also want to have a bar on the inside of the bath so that youngsters can support themselves as necessary.

And finally, don't forget to include that VIP without which no children's bathroom'and some adults''would be complete: a rubber ducky!

At www.DiscountBathroomVanities.com, you'll find everything from lead-free faucets to colorful bathroom wall and floor tiles. Head over to our website to see just how happy you can make your child during bath time.