My 2 year old is afraid of the bath. What do I do?
Posted in Parents
Friday 25 June 2010
In Q&As
Question
My little girl is 2 years old and is afraid of the bath. I don't know how to reassure her even when I mention the bath she starts screaming and crying, I really don't know what to do.
Answer
It sounds like a stressful time for you. Seeing your daughter so terrified, even at the mention of the bath, must be upsetting and finding a way round this hard to fathom.
Maybe something minor, such as slipping in the water or being splashed could have unnerved her a little. It’s also worth mentioning that small children can seem to develop anxieties over things and situations almost overnight and sometimes there can seem no rhyme or reason for this.
A way forward could be to give the bath a miss for a while. Maybe using a shower, if you have one, could be worth a try, or having a wash down with water in a bowl or bucket could take the pressure off. Doing this in a room other than the bathroom might be an idea, even outside if that’s possible. Above all, concentrate on the fun you can have with water. She might like to give a toy a bath or wash its clothes or give plants a drink with a water pistol. Have a look in your local library for an appropriate picture book or make up a story with a water theme.
When you feel it might be time to try introducing the idea of having a bath in the bathroom perhaps sharing it with another family member might be something you could do.
We hope these tips are helpful for you. If you continue to be concerned, you could have a word with your Health Visitor or GP who may be able to advise you further.
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