Managing Your Recreation Time

Posted on: 26 June 2019

Swimming is a lot of fun, and it's a healthy form of exercise. Unfortunately, some children are afraid of the water, which means they're too afraid to swim. Childhood is a great time to practice overcoming fears. As a parent, you can help. Here are four tips that can help your fearful child learn to swim.

1. Reassure your child of their safety.

It may help to figure out what exactly your child is afraid of. If they're afraid of drowning, point out the fact that you and the lifeguard are watching out for them. If your child is afraid of ocean life, you can get them a snorkel so they can see that what's under the water isn't so bad. Reassure your child that their fears are unfounded and that they're safe.

2. Utilize swimming aids.

Swimming aids can make the water less scary. Get your child a flotation device, such as an inner tube or inflatable water wings. Foam pool noodles can help your child tread water, and kickboards will allow them to practice their kicking without needing to support their own weight. Flotation devices can make scared children feel more confident. You can think of them as training wheels for the water. 

3. Sign your child up for swimming lessons.

Proficiency in swimming can give your child confidence in the water, especially if your child is afraid of drowning. Sign your child up for private swim lessons, where a swimming instructor will be able to show them the basics. They will teach your child how to float, kick, and do basic swimming strokes such as freestyle swimming. Private lessons will allow your child to get the individualized attention they need to thrive.

4. Visit the pool often.

Swimming is a skill that will get easier with practice. If you want your child to feel comfortable in the water, you need to give them every opportunity to practice their skills. Make it a point to visit the pool as often as possible. Repeated exposure to water will reduce your child's fear over time. You may even find that they begin to enjoy these swimming trips.

With patience and the right approach, you can help your child overcome their fear of the water. Private swimming lessons, swimming aids, and regular trips to the pool can help you in this process. Show your child there's nothing to be afraid of with these four simple steps.