Table of contents:
- What makes children afraid of swimming?
- Fear of water
- Afraid that his face is wet
- Fear of depth
- Fear of crowds and foreign places
- Helping children face the fear of swimming
- 1. Start slowly
- 2. Talk about your child's fears
- 3. Participate in swimming with children
- 4. Be positive
- 5. Get used to the swimming pool
- 6. Swim at less crowded hours
For children, swimming is an activity that is both fun and healthy for the body. However, not all children enjoy this one water sport. Some children are afraid to swim. If your child is one of those who is afraid of swimming, you may have run out of ideas to persuade your child to learn to swim. The reason is, if you are afraid, children will usually become stubborn and clever at reasoning. This is very unfortunate because swimming is a skill that everyone should master. Also, the earlier your child learns to swim, the sooner the child will master the technique. So, don't give up yet. You can help your little one deal with her fear by first finding out what caused the fear to arise. After that, you and your child can try to beat that fear with the following powerful tips.
What makes children afraid of swimming?
Although it seems obvious that your child is afraid of swimming, it is best to pay close attention to any factors that make him feel nervous about swimming. There are many unexpected things that can actually make your baby afraid to swim. Below are some examples of the fear that children often experience while swimming.
Fear of water
Children who are afraid of water not only feel restless when they are in the pool. Even when showering or at the beach, your child will become cranky and grumpy. This can be triggered by various things. For example, a bad experience with water, such as falling and slipping, or children often seeing their parents or caregivers worry about playing with water.
Afraid that his face is wet
Most children are afraid to swim because they don't like it when their face or head touches the water. Usually this happens because the child does not want water to enter their eyes, nose or ears. This will make them panic and lose control of their own bodies. If your child has experienced any of these things before, he will be reluctant to go into the water again.
Fear of depth
Many children are afraid of swimming even though there have been no bad experiences with swimming or water before. They just feel uncomfortable getting into a pool that is deeper than their knees. This is usually influenced by imaginations such as something creepy in the water or fear of drowning.
Fear of crowds and foreign places
Maybe your child is not afraid of water, but he feels nervous about learning to swim in such a crowded place. Your child may feel uncomfortable with the smell of chemicals such as chlorine in the pool or if the pool is overcrowded, your child is afraid he might bump into other people. If your child is taking swimming lessons, he may feel embarrassed by his friends or the swimming tutor.
Helping children face the fear of swimming
If you have successfully detected what your child is afraid of while swimming, now is the time to help him deal with that fear. Listen carefully to the following tips.
1. Start slowly
If your little one is afraid of water, don't force it or take him directly to a deep pool so he will be brave. The child will only panic even more. Instead, start slowly with great patience. Encourage the child to wear a bathing suit. Then, sit by the shallow pool and let his feet touch the water. If you are used to the water at his feet, invite him to enter the pool through the steps, one by one until the water reaches his stomach and neck. If the child refuses or cries, climb out of the pool first until he calms down. Repeat the process until the child feels comfortable in the water.
2. Talk about your child's fears
It is important for parents to listen to and tolerate children's fears. That way, your child will be more open to you and will also want to listen to your guidance at the pool. However, don't exaggerate your fear, for example when you tell someone else. Instead of saying, "My child is very afraid of swimming," it is better to say, "My child is still hesitant about being asked to swim, but soon he will be swimming smoothly,".
You should also provide understanding to children to straighten out what they are afraid of. For example, if your child is afraid of drowning, explain that in a swimming pool, your body will float on its own if your little one stays relaxed and follows the movements you teach. If your baby is afraid of getting water in his eyes, provide swimming goggles.
3. Participate in swimming with children
If your child is afraid to swim, it is better if you and your partner get in the water too. This will add confidence and a sense of security in the mind of your little one. Also invite siblings, siblings, or siblings to swim together. That way, children will be encouraged to face their fears so that they can be involved in swimming activities with their family. This tactic is also very useful for children who are afraid of strangers, such as their tutor or swimming classmates. If he starts to swim on his own, then you can register him for swimming lessons.
4. Be positive
During your time at the pool, maintain a positive attitude and words. Praise your child whenever he dares to get into the water or dive. If your child is still afraid, use confident and positive words such as, “You are so brave that you dare to go into the water, surely you will also have the courage to walk towards Mother. Come on, slowly let go of his hand from the edge of the pool, ". However, if the child sees the slightest bit that you are impatient or upset, the child will be even more afraid and will remember swimming as a negative experience.
5. Get used to the swimming pool
Naturally, children are afraid to swim if they never or rarely go to the pool. The child will feel intimidated in a strange environment. So, try to make swimming a routine, for example once a week. Even though your child still refuses to swim, over time your baby will feel more familiar with the atmosphere and eventually become curious about the swimming pool. To make this routine more enjoyable, you can invite your children to do things they love after coming home from the pool, for example, eat ice cream.
6. Swim at less crowded hours
Children who are afraid of swimming generally feel uncomfortable in the water with people who appear aggressive. For example, children who were older than him who often jumped into the pool nearby. Your child may also feel irritated by being splashed with water from other people. Therefore, try to swim at hours that are quiet enough so that children are more free to practice and get used to.
