Teag Posted August 24, 2005 Posted August 24, 2005 Hi, I have a 2 1/2 yr old little girl and my problem is when I give her a bath and try to wash her hair she throws a fit. She LOVES taking a bath until it comes time to wash her hair. She's always been like that, although it WAS she would only cry but now its getting where when it time to wash her hair my H has to hold her down while I wash & rinse her hair or she jumps, hits & tries to get out the tub. I've gotten where I hate giving her a bath. I've tried everything I could think of, I've tried talking to her, taking a big cup & leaning her head back as to try not to get water in her face, turning on the fauset & putting her head back as to also try not to get water in her face, I've also tried making a game out of it, singing this is the waay we wash our hair song(she loves to sing) but she won't have any of it. Its so frustrating I'm about ready to shave her head so I won't have to worry about it. (although I would never really do that) I just don't know what to do, I hate seeing her so upset but I can't just not wash her hair. Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated b/c I'm all out of ideas.
Merin Posted August 24, 2005 Posted August 24, 2005 My Oldest hated having her hair washed too... Soooo... I got her a doll that goes in the tub, this doll has hair LOL and I told her she needed to wash her babies hair, while I washed hers... Who knew? LOL she sat still concentrating on shampooing the doll while I washed her hair... also if you don't already use this, I would recommend getting baby shampoo, it is more gentle incase any gets in her eyes... Good Luck
JPMorgan Posted August 24, 2005 Posted August 24, 2005 What shampoo do you use? Maybe that is what is bothering her. When I was a baby my mother used that No More Tears stuff and it made me sick -- there is something in it that I can't tolerate. I used to have a fit too and my mother DID shave my head. I was a bald chick from age 2 - 4 (thank goodness mom let my hair grow out before I started school!) I learned to endure the hair-washing and it wasn't until I was older that we discovered I had a physical problem with shampoos! Maybe if you cut your daughters hair real short (not shave it, but a cute short style) it won't be so hard on her or take so long to wash it. Does she scratch at her head a lot during the day? Maybe she has scratched enough that shampoo stings when rubbed into her scalp. There is some stuff that they use in hospitals that sprays on the hair and then towels off -- it doesn't do a great job of cleaning, but its something.
Author Teag Posted August 24, 2005 Author Posted August 24, 2005 Merin- Thanks, thats something I haven't tried but definatly will. I will but her a doll w/ hair this weekend & hope that works lol JPMorgan- We use the Gerber baby shampoo, not exactly sure the name, it comes in a blue bottle. I don't think it bothers her although you can never be sure but she doesn't scratch her head or anything. She would probably tell me if it did bother her. She's very vocal & normally tells me when something hurt or itches. You mom shaved your head?! Oh no lol I could never do that lol, but I really don't want to cut her hair short, I don't think my H would allow it lol, she's never even had her bangs cut, but she doesn't have alot of hair, its about 2-3 inches past her shoulders but she has baby fine hair. I'll look into the spray shampoo stuff, it may help until she gets better, we'll see... thanks for your advice.
moosegirl Posted September 6, 2005 Posted September 6, 2005 At another time other than bathtime eg. dinner let your child know that you empathize and that you have come up with a fun way to do hair. Tell her you will be making animal ears and talk about the ones she wants eg. bunny, cat, dog,etc Let her know you have figured a way to keep soap and water out of her face and eyes but you will need her help. To keep all the soap and water out of your face she will need to do coyote calls and then demonstrate by looking up and howling. In advance purchase some bathtime puppets: one for her and one for you, special shampoo like Loreal kids which smells good or anything like it you haven't used before. Use the puppets to wet and very gently rub shampoo into your daughters hair. If she's still scared remind her you have learned a new way and you are making up soap for ears. Then make as many as three the first time. Tell her it's time to make coyote calls and remind her how. Use the puppet after you have rinsed it off to wet her hair or a washcloth if the puppets is too soapy. I used this technique two weeks ago babysitting a child that cried with her mom and sister every time and it works like a charm. In fact similar variations have worked with every shampoo shy kid I have ever met. Let me know how it goes with the fun!
Author Teag Posted September 6, 2005 Author Posted September 6, 2005 moosegirl-aww thats sounds like such a good idea, I'll defiantly try it. I did try getting her to wash the babydolls hair & it worked until it was time to rince her hair then she started screaming. lol but I'll let you know how it goes.
moosegirl Posted September 8, 2005 Posted September 8, 2005 Dyllusiional Angel, There was one thing I forgot to add which is pick a time where you are not in a hurry. To do the puppets, animal ears & stuff. it helps a lot if you can take it slow (an extra fifteen minutes or so) and make the playing and not the shampooing a central theme. It really works and after your daughter is comfortable with shampooing continue with ears and puppets but you can do a bath and hair in 15 or 20 minutes cause she won't be fighting you. I know you will be glad to not be stressed at bathtime. The little girl I bathed and shampooed that had been scared (with mom and sister bathing her) two weeks ago loves it now! She and her brother asked to take a bath and do hair the next night when I sat again for them. Take care moosegirl
Author Teag Posted September 8, 2005 Author Posted September 8, 2005 moosegirl- I actually tried the bunny ear & my daughter loved it. She still fussed alittle when I rinced her hair but it was no where near as bad as it normally is. I was so proud of her, I had to cup water in my hand to rince her hair but it was ok it just took alittle longer to get all the soap out.
moosegirl Posted September 8, 2005 Posted September 8, 2005 Dyllusional Angel, I am so glad that worked for you. Now everytime you do bath and hair start talking about ears what kind she wants etc and it should be a snap. A washcloth speeds things along when you rinse with it.But just try different things slowly. I am delighted for you!: Moosegirl 1
Author Teag Posted September 8, 2005 Author Posted September 8, 2005 Thanks, she's so cute, she'll go mommy I want to see the picture. (she calls mirrors pictures) & she'll look & just laugh. Its funny, but she'll say mommy I don't want the cup so as long as I don't use the cup to rince her hair she's fine.
Lil Honey Posted September 8, 2005 Posted September 8, 2005 Sorry for doing this but I need to change the subject to ask a question: What IS it with men wanting their daughters to have long hair? I don't get it.
Author Teag Posted September 9, 2005 Author Posted September 9, 2005 I think men in general like long hair. I grew my hair down to my butt & H loved it, it said it was such a turn on, I cut 13 inches off about 6 months ago & he freaked. Not being mean but like WTF?! I loved your hair, but I donated it so after I told him that he was fine w/ it.lol
mopar crazy Posted September 10, 2005 Posted September 10, 2005 I haven't read all your replies but here is my advice. Both of my children hated having their hair washed at that age also. I used tear free shampoo but they still hated it b/c they didn't like water getting into their eyes, period. So, I bought a little cap that looks like a visor but it's for baths. I bought it in the baby section at Kmart. The water doesn't get into their eyes w/ the hat. When they got older and the hat got too small I would let them put on their swimming goggles and that worked great too. GL!
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