The time of swimming pools and beaches has arrived, where children are exposed to water. Some children are bolder and seem unafraid, while others run away for no apparent reason. It is something much more normal than it seems. We leave you some tips to help overcome the fear of water in children.
Although some fear is something necessary for them to have respect with the water and thus avoid accidents, children need to know how to navigate in the water. The fear and rejection that some children feel about the water can prevent them from getting it, and it can deprive them of enjoying the summer.
In our hand is the relationship that our children will have with water.
Fear of water in children
More and more parents take their babies from a young age to the pool. This helps a lot, since babies have an involuntary reflex where they close the glottis so as not to breathe underwater. This helps them to properly relate to the water.
If this is not possible, children are exposed to water in summer, on beaches and swimming pools. we leave you 8 tips to help children overcome their fear of water and that they can enjoy the water this summer.
Don't force him
Never force the child to dive into the water. Even if you think it is fun, that you are helping him and that he will see that nothing happens, do not do it. Doing this is the most counterproductive there is. Getting into the water is not an obligation. The child has to feel like it, he has to get out of it.
Do not punish him or get angry
Do not punish him or be angry with him either or his relationship with the water will get worse. Be patient, each child has their own rhythm and you must follow it. Water should be related to having fun and enjoying, and if you are punished for not getting in the water it will become an obligation.
Progressive adaptation
Contact with water must be progressive, that is, little by little. You can first put it in a inflatable pool in the garden with little water (adapted according to their age) with their toys.
On the beach, choose a quiet place to play with him in the seashore to jump waves, play ball… You can wet his feet with an ice cube, letting him know beforehand, and let him wet you too. After the games, he will surely be the one who asks to approach the water. Although forget that the goal is not to learn to swim, but to play and have fun. The rest will come.
It should be an approximation little by little so that the child gradually loses fear, totally at his own pace. Depending on the child, this process will take more or less. When he gains confidence he will want to go a little further.
Give you instrumental support
In the market there are several safety instruments for water such as sleeves, floats, churros. They must be adapted to the age of the child and to be related to them. This way you will have more security, seeing that it will help you float. That you choose what provides the most security or you may not want any.
Never leave him alone
An adult must always be present so that he can react if necessary, and thus avoid any problem and make him even more afraid.
Adaptation to temperature
Cold water is not usually a great attraction and it can be scary. It is better to start first with warm water so that it adapts.
Recognition
Congratulate him on his progress. Nor does it need to have a party, but if some words of support and encouragement, some hugs and kisses. No more is needed.
Patience
The relationship you establish with water will be critical to your future adult relationship. You have to be very patient and calm. Each child will set their own pace.
Why remember ... not by running more you get there sooner.