My son is 2-1/2 & has in the last month or so developed a fear of water. He had a small pool during the summer that he loved. Now all of a sudden he screams & cries when it's bath time & says he's scared of the water. I've tried getting in the tub with him. Last night I thought we'd try a shower, well, that was fun. He got so upset he threw-up all over me. Is there any way I can help him get out of this phase??? Am I just supposed to keep forcing (he's very strong so it's a real fight to keep him in the tub) him to bath every night, or let him go a couple of days in between baths?
Thanks for all the advice! We tried the sink tonight. He still freaked out, but at least he didn't make himself sick this time. I wish I could bring in the pool he had, he really loved it but it's one of those round ones that pop-up when the water gets high enough (like 10 feet in diameter). We'll just keep working on it, thanks again!
I dont know what made him afraid of the water. Maybe there is something that happened that you dont even realized happened. I would just start slow with giving him a sponge bath, then try to help him understand about water. Maybe you can try new bath toys or make a game out of bath time. Maybe the water is too hot or too cold. I think if you force him, it will only make it worse. Sorry I couldnt be of more help.
J.
My son is 3yrs old and he is scared of the noise of the running bath water. I too had the same problem with the water. My son loved baths when he was younger. Then, one day he was crying and scared. I talk to him and made him feel that it was all his decision. I talk him into playing with the water colors they make for baths. Then, he was scared of the shower because it scared him when he pulled up the pin up and it sprayed him. So now I pull the shower head to the side and I tell him it is turned off. He is slowly getting better. It takes time and alot of talking to make them feel comfortable. GOOD LUCK!!
I went through the exact same situation with my youngest son, oddly enough, right at about that age. I ended up donning a bathing suit and started out with showering, then to the tub. We went on like this until eventually, he seemed to just grow out of it. In his case, I think sibling rivalry had a part in this, lol, due to the fact that he was too frustrated to be afraid, trying to keep up with his brother at the lake.
If it won't be too traumatic (which may be a definate) I would suggest trying a family swim class. I know it helped my youngest, and now he can't wait to be in the water. I hope this helps...
Maybe try the kitchen sink. I know he's probably way too big but if you fill it up with water and let him sit on the counter and put his feet in maybe he would be more comfortable. And at least he'd get clean, too. It's a small start but it might work.
My daughter did the same thing a little before she turned 2. She loved baths and then one day screamed constantly. We tried everything!!!New toy, shower, putting her in the tub with me, the old infant tub and sink, nothing worked!! We gave her sponge baths every night. This lasted for around 4 months. We ended up letting her stand in the tub clutching on to my shoulder and trying to clean her and wash her hair. I usually ended up wetter then she was, and she screamed the whole time. Then one day things changed and she loves the tub again.
well it would definitely not hurt him to take a bath everyother day or two. Especially since it is getting cooler and he will not be spending as much time outside and getting as dirty. As for the fear of the water it could be anything, something he saw on tv, or heard from one of his friends, you really may never know. But helping him conquer his fear is important. I would only fill the tub maybe a couple of inches so that his head will not be underwater even if he laid down. And explain that he has to get clean, but he doesn't have to stay in very long, just long enough to get washed and clean his hair, you could probably have him in and out within 2-3 minutes. I know that for the past year my daughter takes showers, we have a removable shower head so the water is not beating in her face and I did it because I just didn't have time to sit with her while she took a bath during the week, and she takes a bath on Saturday nights now as a treat. I don't know if something like that would work because he would not be in the water, just have the handle spraying water. But it might be worth a try if you are still experiencing the trouble with the bath.
Don't force him into it. It may make it worse. I like the previous idea about the sink. also spongebaths may help. have a talk with him about why he is suddenly afraid ofwater. you may learn whats wrong and it may be an easy fix.I don't know about your son but my daughter generally isn't so dirty she needs a bath nightly (bi-nightly yes!) a quick washcloth bath is generally great for doing the job on not so dirty nights. HTH
Ok just an idea. How big is the pool that he liked? Could you fill it up and let him play in it indoors to get him back in the water. I wouldn't force him because that will only prolong the fear. My son isn't scared of the water but it is a battle every night to get him in the tub because he HATES taking a bath. He loves to play in the water but doesn't want to wash.
Hope this helps and he gets over this soon.
M.
I definately dont think I would force him into the water. I think the last person had good advice about trying the sink. Let him sit on the counter and dip his feet in. I would also try filling up a small shallow container and getting some pool toys and letting him play in it. show him that water is ok. Maybe YOU take a bath and let him see you "play" in it, pour the water on your head and stuff, and then see if he would like to join you and play also.
I would just take it slow, the more you force him the more afraid he may become.
My son did this at around 18 months. He just hated the bath. I said, okay, one less thing for me to do, and skipped it for awhile. He stayed clean enough! Anyway, he went back to it a couple of weeks later, and now he loves it! Just give it some time, don't push it.
Take him to the store and let him pick out a new bath toy or crayon (for the bath wall) and let him play with it in the tub, without water in there. Sponge him off the first night while he is in the tub and the second night put just a little water in the tub but don't make him stay longer than what it takes to clean him, unless he wants to. If he wants to stand while doing this then let him. I agree with the others you should take it slow but don't skip "bathes" because it teaches him that by screaming/tantrum he will get his way! I wish you the best of luck, I know when any of mine are having problems you feel so bad for them.
