My two year old has never been a fan of the bath/water in general. She’s never been too keen on pools/paddling pools and I don’t think she has ever had a bath that hasn’t ended in tears. Just recently she has been absolutely terrified, even the mention of going in the bath sets her off crying and she becomes hysterical in the bath “please mommy please” and asking for the towel. Sometimes she can be ok just sat in the bath, but as soon as we put the water on her body, especially her head, she goes into meltdown. We have tried everything, bath bombs/crayons, toys, I’ve been in the bath with her, showers, baths with cousins etc, she still ends up in tears.
My husband and MIL are a bit more brutal than me (which I don’t mind) and as far as they are concerned a bath is a non-negotiable and will dump the water on her as quick as possible to get her washed and out, but I really want her to start to enjoy the bath so it’s less stressful for everybody .
is this normal 2 y/o behaviour and do you think it will pass as it’s been such a long time, or do I need to try something else?
she is fearless outside of the bath so I have no concerns. She is absolutely fine as soon as she has her towel and is dried off. I have also asked if she can explain why she is scared (she is very good at talking) but she can’t tell me why.