my DD is 18 months old. She loved the bath, she always has since she was tiny. She splashes and plays, runs her hands under the tap etc. We had started to introduce the shower head to make hair washing easier and so in theory she could start having showers instead of baths. She had always been nervous of the shower, but had got her in the shower with me a few times and then once alone and she was now enjoying it, laughing and playing with the water etc.
A few weeks ago DH was playing with the taps letting her play with water and he turned the tap too far the other way which makes the shower head come on. She was directly beneath it and got doused in freezing cold water out of nowhere and was very very upset. Since this incident bathtime is traumatic. We get as far as her being happy about getting ready for a bath up to the point of getting in. Once in, or getting in she clings onto me for dear life and screams and cries. Tried getting in with her, tried waiting for her to calm but she simply roared so much she made herself sick. What can we do to help her? Did have minor breakthrough last night, by bending down and telling her between screams that nothing bad is going to happen and no one is going to turn the shower on etc, that we must have a little wash first then she can get out. She did calm and accepted the wash then, before asking for "out out" again. Took some different toys in too, and she had a small play while i was washing before requesting out when i had finished. Help, how can i help her? Should i take her into the shower with me and show her its ok or will that push her over the edge completely? patience and time doesn't seem to be helping