DS is 2.6, and has always LOVED baths and anything water-related. But about 2 weeks ago he suddenly became terrified when the plug was taken out at the end of bath, and started madly throwing out all his toys (and trying to throw his baby sister out!) - he was totally inconsolable.
We think he's got a sudden fear of things going down the plughole. He is very happy to tell us that 'only water and bubbles' can fit down there, and he 'knows' that everything else is too big, but when he's actually in the bath, the panic takes over and he cannot listen enough to attempt to reason with.
We can get him into the bath by distraction, and he will then play very happily - but it's when bathtime is over that the panic begins.
We've tried taking him out first (but he panics about toys and sister), and toys out first, then sister out first, but he panics and gets v upset either way. Have tried not taking the plug out at all until he's left the room-but it seems to be the knowledge that the bath is over hat' causing it all.
So my question is (having seen from other threads that this isn't uncommon at this age) - should we 'indulge' it for a while and avoid baths (he's happy in shower, bizarrely!) or is it good to try and help him through this (ie by letting him see that toys can't fit down when water goes - even if he is absolutely distraught to watch it - will this cause more problems longterm?!)
Thank you in advance!!