6 Tips to help cautious kids enjoy water!

Some kids are just scared of water, scared of it running over their faces, scared of waves splashing, scared of the feel on their skin... I have a daughter who is terrified of water splashing over her head, so I know first-hand how sometimes frustrating that is when it is hot, she's bothered, cranky and sad at everyone else having fun but will STILL not go near the water.....

So, what to do about it???

 

1. Start Small and Familiar

Gradual introductions such as baths with a bucket with a couple of holes, increasing to more of a shower bucket and then eventually a shower. Begin with sprinkling on the hands, feet and the back. 

•  Incorporate play:  Painting with water on the sidewalk or driveway which ends up being a "paint your body" game.

2. Make it a fun activity
 

Introduce toys like water-safe dolls, rubber ducks, or colorful pool toys. Making water fun through play helps them form positive associations with it. If possible, let them pick out their own water toys to boost their excitement- use a bucket, pool, bathtub. Smaller can be less overwhelming.

• Make it a small challenge: Turn it into a game by asking them to move toys in shallow water with their hands or toes. You could even play “Simon Says” in the water to help them interact with it in a relaxed way. 

3. Be Patient and Build Trust
   

Probably the MOST important point. NEVER EVER THROW WATER ON A SCARED CHILD OR THROW THEM IN THE WATER!! instead, let them set the pace. Sometimes simply sitting together at the water's edge or touching water for just a few minutes is enough.

•    Validate Their Feelings: Recognize that their fear is real and let them know it’s okay to feel scared. Words like “I know the water can seem a little scary, but I’ll be right here with you” can help them feel safe and supported.

4. Slowly Progress to the Pool or Beach

•    Stay in the shallow/small waves: Keep the experience short and fun and avoid deeper water until they’re comfortable.

•    Keep Close Contact: Many kids feel reassured when they can hold your hand or sit on your lap near the water. Follow their lead.

5. Practice simple breathing and relaxation**

•    Blow Bubbles: Teaching them to blow bubbles is a fun way to practice breathing in water. Not only is this fun, but it helps them get used to having their face near water. Start with blowing a pool noodle to create bubbles in the water, gradually making it smaller, so they get closer to the surface.

•    Splashing games with hands and feet: Encourage them to gently splash or kick in the water. This gives them a sense of how water feels and moves without fully immersing them.

 6. Celebrate small wins

• Positive reinforcement builds confidence no matter what age your child is and give it time!! Often its 2 steps forwards, 1 step back. Positive feelings around water will build confidence.

 Final Thoughts

• Turning water exposure into a safe, positive experience can go a long way in reducing fear and building confidence. With patience, encouragement, and a gentle approach, you can help your child develop a comfortable, even joyful, relationship with water. Never force a child, it will only increase fear and increase their risk whilst in and around water.

and of course, dress them in exciting bright, safe coloured swimwear to help you see them and give them a sense of excitement!!!!

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