DS1 HATES the water table. I put it on our deck which is really hot and wait for the sun to go past. I usually put a blanket out too. I've tried warm water and cold water.
He'll kneel there and put the balls in the center and whine/fuss the whole time.
He'll play with the toys on it all while fussing. After a few minutes he'll get upset and I'll have to give him a break.
I even tried just having him sit on my lap playing with the balls away from the water. It's like he's physically afraid of it.
He LOVES bathtime, swimming in the pool, going down waterslides, etc so I can't imagine he doesn't like the water aspect.
Any suggestions?
Re: DS1 hates the water table - advice?
i don't think he's cognitively advanced to understand a sand versus water table. He's only at about a 10-12 month old level.
I'll try a bathing suit next time, good idea.
He is in the shade but it is still a sunny area if that make sense. The sun is just high enough that the house shades the deck but the water could still be reflecting. Especially since he has optic nerve hypoplasia in one eye so we're not really sure what he can see. Maybe I'll try it out even later tonight.
Will he stand at the table or just kneel?
What is he wearing on his feet? is the deck hot under his feet? Does he not like being barefoot? Maybe try with shoes or water sandals...
You could also bring it inside, dry it off and try him playing with it with just balls or rice or some other sensory activity, then transition to outside water again.