Overcoming Fears

I have seen many fearful children being pushed by their parents into the pool. When they don't want to get in, parents don't understand what could be so terrifying about water and often get angry and frustrated. This type of situation must be avoided. The more a parent gets angry, the more the child will resent water.


The best approach should be a calm one. If swim lessons by a certified instructor are not an option, parents should begin in the shallow end and slowly work their way deeper. Children do best when they see their parents going through the same motions expected of them. If they are too afraid to submerge their head underwater, buckets are a great way to overcome fears. Using a small bucket, parents should start by pouring water over their own ears, then onto their child's. They should then progress to chin, cheeks, nose, and then finally eyes and head. If the child refuses to have water poured on them, parents should ask their kids to pour it on them instead. Always beginning with the basics makes it easier, and adding some songs and reward hi-fives makes learning fun.


Pool Tip: Holding Your Breath
Puffy cheeks are a good way to practice holding one's breath. Parents can place a finger in front of their child's mouth and ask them to blow the "candle" out. The motion of puffing cheeks out and blowing air through the mouth blocks air from the nasal passage, a guarantee that water cannot get up the nose. After a couple practice puffy cheeks, children can then mimic the motion again underwater.