How do I get my 2 yr old to not be scared of me washing his hair.?

Question

My 2 yr old is absublutly terrified of me washing his hair. I never get water in his eyes. He sets up in the tub whil I wet his hair w/a damp wash cloth. He use to be fine with me washing his hair but since his Dad started getting him over the weekend and giving him a shower instead of a bath (b/c he has no tub) he is terrafied. Please help me!!!! He screams like someone is trying to kill him and it makes me feel awful...he starts screaming as soon as he sees me get the wash cloth b/c he knows what I'm about to do. I've tried taking a bath with him, letting him wash his on hair and nothing works....any advice will be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

I've also had this problem with my boys. I use a washcloth to rise their hair and teach them to lean their head back. It was a rough rode but eventually they got use to it. I also so on Supernanny that goggles are a good alternative - it can be fun and protect their eyes from the water and soap they're afraid of... good luck!

Answer 2

Two suggestions-
1. Make a "blindfold" out of a dry washcloth to either hold or let him hold over his eyes
2. Put some stickers or easy to remove decorations on the ceiling and then make sure he knows they are there. You can ask him questions about what he is seeing while you can get his hair washed. Change the stickers every couple of weeks to keep it interesting for him.

Also, if you can, maybe ask dad to get a hand-held sprayer for the shower, that way he can have more control over the water.

Answer 3

I've had this same problem with both of my boys. The best thing I've found is this visor by Sassy that allows you to wash their hair and not let the water near their eyes. Try explaining to them that water, while annoying, doesn't really hurt their eyes. Sometimes they are just afraid of what they do not know. Just like little grown ups!
Well, good luck and I hope your bath time struggles end soon!

Answer 4

Sounds like hes had a bad experience with his dad, i had the exact same problem with my son and tend not to let anyone else wash his hair now fearing all my effort will be undone.
i would make sure your son has his hair washed before going to his fathers to try to avoid him having to do it, and tell his dad that u would prefer him to have a bath and not a shower to avoid any further problems, explain to his dad how he has became afraid without laying any blame
then its just a matter of regaining his trust, i used to make a game of it and tell my son it was raining on his head, he would think it was real funny
You can also buy a guard that goes around their forehead (like the brim of a hat, like the one Kylie Monique wore in with her hair sticking out the top) so they don't get any water in their eyes. Take him with you when you go to buy it and make it a big thing tell him that mummy is going to buy somthing so he dont get water in his eyes, hopefully he will let u use it, you can get them from chemists
in time he will get over it
good luck

Answer 5

Here's an idea, try telling him a story while bathing him. A story, game, or toy can distract him from the washing and make the process fun!
Also, it is worth wondering why he has developed this fear. What happened over the weekend that he is afraid? If he can tell you what he is afraid of, you can comfort and reassure him.
Good luck!

Answer 6

My daughter was the same way so finally I made her wash her whole body and hair herself I supervised her the first few times and after that she was fine to do it herself.