How do you get a child to take a bath who is afraid of water?

Sophia - posted on 09/20/2012

HOW ABOUT LET HIM PLAY WITH WATER WHEN HE WASH HIS HAND. WASH HIS HANDS AND ARMS AS HE PLAY WITH THE WATER. TRY LETING HIM JUMP IN THE WATER TO WET HIS FEET ... THEN MOVE ON AS HE START TO FEEL SAFE AGAIN.

Misty - posted on 03/11/2012

I"m glad it's working :o)

Marie - posted on 03/10/2012

thank you all for your suggestions they have helped alot and were very helpful and most acually worked thanks sincerly mom in ohio

Misty - posted on 03/06/2012

what about sponge baths?? and spray that is supposed to clean the hair?? and once he gets more comfortable, then start doing the sponge bath in the tub while he sits on a towel?? then maybe add some water to the tub before he gets in and gradually keep adding so that he gets a thorough bath ....just a suggestion that might work...good luck

Tracey - posted on 06/12/2010

How about a jelli bath? Not suere exactly how they work but you put a few inches of water in the bath, add the powder and it turns into gel, comes in different colours.
Or try putting plastic toys in of his favourite characters.
My son is 11 and he takes Teletubbies, sharks, trains, Bob the Builder, Iggle Piggle etc in the bath, so many toys there is hardly room for him. Could you get yor son to start by washing toys in the bath and then get him to put more of his body in each time, start with hands, then up to elbows, then the whole arm?

Jane - posted on 06/11/2010

Goggles help, earplugs help, and try showers instead of baths. Some of my guys shower, some bathe cuz they don't like water falling on them. And while he's readjusting, get those waterless camping bath wipes and dry shampoo. :)

Sandy - posted on 06/09/2010

Oh yeah.. I have another son recenty diagnosed with ADHD, Anxiety, and Sensory issues... he also had tantrums every time I gave him a bath. He finally told me tht it hurts when I wash his hair. He is 8.

Sandy - posted on 06/09/2010

My twins cried everytitme I gave them a bath and i never understood why until they could talk.. after years of therapy. They love playing in the water but never liked baths. I discovered the water temp.. even at warm seemed to hot for them so the take an almost cold bath. At 6 years old, I still have to encourage one of them to sit in the bath tub, he usually takes a bath standing up. I have also got them goggles, it helped with the hair washing.

Ramona - posted on 06/01/2010

My son has Asperger's and is very scared of the water. He also has an auditory processing disorder. Sometimes, the sound of the water running bothers him so I run the water before he comes in the bathroom. Also, I put very little water in the tub. When we rinse his hair, I put my hand under his head and support it. The contact helps calm him. You may need to try to make sure water doesn't get in his ears. This drives by son crazy. Hope this helps.

Heather - posted on 05/30/2010

I would start with the basics, like sitting in the tub/shower fully clothed, and work your way from there. When he's comfortable, take 1 pc of clothing off, etc working your way to naked, and then start adding water a little at a time. Sounds like a major sensory issue- could be the temp, texture or sound irritating him. Try working with a sensory Integration therapist

Donna - posted on 05/30/2010

Well if your son is afraid that something is going to happen teach him to wash with very little water and let him get used to doing it again. After all the point is to be clean not how to do it, right?