2 year old scared of water

[meandmybub]

My 2 year old refuses to go in the big bath so is still using the baby bath. I've tried getting in with her but she just gets hysterical. I don't know what to do for the best - do I continue making her go in the big bath or will that just increase her fear? ... and as for swimming pools, she just clings on to me or daddy for dear life until she is allowed to get out again. I've no idea why, she hasn't had any bad experiences of water or anything, in fact, she absolutely loves playing with water in cups etc. Any advice much appreciated.

Could you try putting only a tiny amount of water, in the big bath and then slowly filling it, the more confident she gets with it.

Or have you tried showers?

Or buying special stuff like the bath crayons, that she can use when she is in the big bath?

Perhaps just stop trying for a bit? Encourage happy water play and wash her in the baby bath for now, then eventually try a very shallow bath in the big tub and so on. I'd forget about swimming until she's happy in a big bath, at least. Perhaps a very shallow paddling pool in the summer.

No rush.

Ta for the advice - will stop stressing and let these things happen gradually.