Communities

Toddlers

All Communities > Toddlers > advise needed! son is suddenly afraid of baths.

advise needed! son is suddenly afraid of baths.

Karrie - posted on 11/08/2009 ( 3 moms have responded )

29

24

my 2 year old son has always loved baths...especially with bubbles. i gave him a much needed bath the other night because he decided to pour his chocolate milk all in his hair (gata love 2 yr olds lol) and well since this had to be a quick bath (because his lil sis was napping) i put him in and then put the bubbles in i usually would put the bubbles in b4 i put him in . he was all excited for taking a bath . he even undressed himself. when he saw the bubbles coming towards him at the back of the tub he FREAKED and he was screaming at the top of his lungs and trying to climb out of the tub. he wouldnt even sit down. . the next morning he was on the potty and kept pointing to the tub and saying "bubbles scary, bubbles scary"... i dunno what to do! he fights and screams every time i try to bathe him now. even without bubbles. any advise? please! i feel so bad when i have to force him to take a bath but he needs to be clean.



i just want him to enjoy it again i dont want him to think that i am punishing him or putting him in a "scary" position. i sing to him, i constantly reassure him that baths are fun and not scary, and i gave him every bath toy possible he is still terrified. i just feel terrible. and he doesnt like water being poured on his head yet (he never has) so showers are a no-go.

Join Circle of Moms

Sign up for Circle of Moms and be a part of this community! Membership is just one click away.

Join Circle of Moms

3 Comments

View replies by

Yesenia - posted on 11/10/2009

10

5

Have you tried giving him a bath with his sister so they could both play in the bath for a while. He might not feel scared with her in there

Kaye - posted on 11/10/2009

73

13

I would let him play with some bubbles in a small plastic tub during the day, let him pour the liquid in then the water, and make a game of it, so he can overcome the fear of the bubbles. This might take a few times. I sometimes give my son a strip wash instead of a bath. I put the washing up bowl on the floor and let him wash his hands face feet and bottom.... you could try this for a while?

When you try the bath again, you could let him pour the liquid in and watch the bubbles. I think it's case of returning his confidence with the bath in a calm way. Don't feel bad, you did nothing wrong, kids have strange fears at this age that come out of the blue, it wasn't your fault, you sound a lovely mummy.

Kaye x

Want to find out the opinions of this community?

Add Poll