Most children suffer from hydrophobia, though they enjoy frolicking in a tub or bathe at a shallower water level such as in a kiddie pool. Whenever they are a bit older and find themselves before such challenges as pools, lakes, or the ocean, they develop anxiety. Since you are the parent, it is up to you to influence your child one way or the other as regards water activities. Gently introducing your child to water-based activities for a long time, you can overcome the child’s fears.
Validate Their Feelings
First of all, do not minimize or ignore your child’s concerns as to the water. One must not underestimate or disregard your child’s concern with reference to the water. Although their fear might be entirely irrational, it’s still genuine. Acknowledge them by using words such as “I know it is embarrassing when taking a shower, but I am right here with you, we don’t have to rush.’ This helps to alleviate any perceived embarrassment when showing them that it is alright to feel some fear.
Emphasize Safety
They are scared just because it is enjoyable only in water activities appear as dangerous, or risky as a result of watching violent programs or watching videos that depict water as a dangerous place. Fight this by working more on safety and supervision. Talk in a way that denotes this kind of thinking, for instance as when you say, “We only swim when there is a lifeguard close by. The police will also take the time to ensure we are fine.” Some of the few among them include the non-running near the pools and non-swimming without a supervising adult. Shake their hands and tell them that you will be outlining safety measures to make them more relaxed.
Try Shallow Water First
You aren’t going to start by expecting your child to dip into the deeper water! Start with shallow water or only enter the toddler sections of the pool at first. Buy swim aids like vests or floats to give them an extra sense of insurance. You can come across funny inflatable animal floats that could make the pool look less dreadful. Some of the activities include splashing water with hands or feet making sure that before complete immersion, the baby is not forced into the water. Move at their pace.
Use Visual Aids
Children also require seeing something in order to believe it sometimes.” You can just watch cartoons or reading books with kids which they shows characters engaging in some water games or activities and do not show that this activities are very dangerous. Look for areas like YouTube for ridiculous images of children in swimming pools, leap fro swimming or playing beside the shore. It may help them to dispel some of their fun phobias before they get near the real thing this kind of play helps minimize near sighs.
Practice Breathing Techniques
Stress progression is usually realized in cases whereby young persons feel like they cannot breathe properly in water, thus increases the level of fear. It is advised that when people’s faces become wet, breathing should be controlled taught. They should also dip their hands or feet and learn how to take slow breaths. I knew blowing bubbles was good for getting them a lot of underwater breathing confidence. From that level, graduate to washing faces with your hands, as you encourage them to breathe through their mouth. In the end, as patients’ breathing is regulated the fear should reduce.
Take The Plunge Together
Don’t just/ take your fearful child and plunge him/ her into water/ directly/ immediately! Go in together and start demonstrating it. Maintain constant, positive touch as you maneuver through sections of the waterfront where the depth is relatively low. Cute, demo to them on how you are holding your breath then go under it. If they can see that you are having fun and that you are safe, then they will also pick up the chance and start doing the same. Give encouragement such as, “I am right here beside you.” You’ve got this!” With your sanction, let them dive only for a second at the beginning to conquer that first fright and gain their sureness.
Applaud Small Victories
If in two or three points of relevance were achieved, then it should be applauded to the highest level. If your child who used to be aqua phobic, places their face in the water, or, is able to swim a few feet using a float, then, celebrate like their team just won the Olympics! Lighten things up while giving high fives. Make sure that they understand you appreciate their courage it makes you proud of them. This ought to go a long way in eradicating fear with pride in their achievements amongst the youth.
Remain Patient
And that is why it is hardly possible to achieve a complete and abrupt eradicating of lifelong fear due to the first visit to the pool. It will be a flowing process with moments of progress and often some relapse back to the safety box. Let your child face his or her anxieties without having to force him or her through it, take your time as a parent and be patient. In case fear creeps back in, do not let the situation bring about negative emotions. This ‘ugly baby’ stage passes, as will the desire by some children to kiss on the ‘wrong’ cheek, go from one prior playmate to another without washing their hands, sit still or greet a friend with the ‘hello’ that is proper, and hold their spoon correctly.” With your firm and consistent encouragement, their confidence in both you and themselves when swimming will remain to increase.
The thing is to gradually reduce fear with the help of increasing safety, preparation, and yes, FUN! The following is a great benefit when your child is getting past their fear and tension in the water, both of you will be able to engage in playing within the water without much concern. Nothing replaced the fear quicker than a day at the pool or swimming lessons, making smiles that last longer for a family.