Ever since Ethan was little and has been taking baths in the regular bath, we purchased a protector that goes over the spout so that if he stands up, he won't bump his head. It is not only a proctor, but it also causes the water to flow out like a fountain.
Ethan has always been timid around this fountain. In addition the noise of the water coming out was loud, the normal loudness from turning on the water. He would once in awhile touch the flowing water with his outstretched hand, only to find that it diverts the water and causes it to spray in various directions. Thus, he tended to avoid fountain whenever it was turned on.
Today during bath time, Ethan was happily playing with his bath basketball toy. After making a basket, the ball would float down and go underneath the fountain. He wanted the ball so bad that he decided to brave the fountain. He very cautiously inched his way forward, went to the side of it, and reached down to get the ball. As his body got splashed by the fountain, he realized it wasn't so bad. The next time the ball went down under the fountain, he decided to go straight through the fountain, head first. He closed his eyes, water went on his head, but he kept going. He realized that as soon as he passed the water barrier, he could open his eyes and the water was no longer splashing him on the head, but on the back.
He must have liked the feeling of the water splashing on his back, because he then decided to stand up and put his entire back against the fountain. He got a full body back wash. He stood there for about 30 seconds, smiling. He did this repeatedly. I was so proud of him for overcoming his fear of the fountain and happy at his new discovery of enjoyment.
posted by Beth