Toddler Having Fit Every Time I Wash Her Hair

My son always hated getting his hair washed. I always thought it was because he didn't like getting water in his eyes so I was always very careful to have a washcloth to cover his eyes. Then when he learned to talk he was finally able to tell me that he didn't like getting water in his ears. So now I give him a washcloth to hold over his ears so he doesn't get any water in them and he's just fine. Not sure if it's the same issue your daughter is having but it's worth a try.

Try getting a snorkle mask.

Keep communicating with her, and negotiating. Don't get into the "power struggle" and you will have a much easier, more joyful time over the course of her childhood, and a connected, mutually respectful relationship as she becomes an adult.

read more at my blog:
www.rivieraplayschool.blogspot.com

Lots of Love,
Linda

I wouldn't worry too much. It is pretty normal behaviour. My 3 yr old went through a short phase like this and now my 20 month old is doing the same. She cries every time I wash her hair and since she always manages to get food in her hair at dinner it is necessary to wash it! Although she never threw up from her fits, they are frequent. Just know it is normal and will pass. Until then all you can do is experiment with techniques or perhaps distract her with some new tub toys. Maybe incorporate a fun song or let her see you wash your hair or Dad's to make her think it is a fun thing? Probably the best thing you can do is make sure she doesn't see you are upset or deterred by it, if it is a power thing. And, try to make it as quick and "painless" as possible for her. Personally, I just torture mine briefly and do it as quickly as possible, then let them play. They seem to get over it quickly. As for neighbors, you can't worry about it! Anyone who has raised toddlers knows that they all sound like they are being beaten at some point! Lord, my children scream like crazy when I brush their hair no matter how gentle I am! You would think the police would be called every night the way the yell about it. Hope it passes soon!

Both my kids did that too. Its pretty normal.
They get preferences and fears and just reach a point where they don't like the water running down their face or the soap or just the process of it. And they get scared even.

My son is 3 now, and he still HATES washing his hair. So it takes me AND my Hubby to do it. Or, we use a wet washcloth with a tad little shampoo in it, to rub down his hair and then rinse with a cup... tilting his head so the water runs OFF his face and toward the back. And, we give him a dry washcloth to hold over his face.
OR, we have him lay down on his back, in the tub... and rinse that way. Supporting his neck so that the water level does not cover his face/ears (which he HATES).

Washing hair is just not pleasant for many kids and a torture.

You really do not have to wash their hair everyday. I don't myself. Only when it is oily/dirty. Because otherwise my hair gets dry. Same for a child and their hair. Even our Pediatrician told us that.

Good luck,
Susan