To get a child to overcome the fear of water

 That swimming is a fantastic sport, even during childhood, is something that hardly anyone disputes. However, its realization often comes up against a rather difficult obstacle to overcome: the fear of water. Next, we will offer some tips to help a child overcome this fear without consequences for the future.

Hydrophobia, as the extreme fear of water, is known, is a more common problem than most people think. It has its origin in the very instinct of the human being; Since it is not our natural environment, we can be afraid when we are children and we still do not know how to function in it.

This aversion can go against the wishes of parents, who often insist that their little one choose a physical activity that will serve him for life with online lifeguard certification. Swimming, from a sports point of view but also as a safety measure, fits perfectly into this category.

How to get a child to overcome the fear of water

In order to function with ease in the water and lose the fear of this environment, a child must learn certain motor skills progressively. In the following enumeration, we propose some ideas to carry out this process:

1. Go slowly

If the fear of water stems from the insecurity that the child feels in that environment, it is possible to remedy it with a controlled and gradual insertion in a swimming pool or on the beach. For this, the company of someone that the child knows and transmits confidence to is essential.

Later, when he feels a little looser, we can invite him to get acquainted with the water. For example, you can resort to blowing bubbles, inserting toys, splashing, or kicking, among other basic actions.

2. The playful part cannot be missing to overcome the fear of water

If there is an effective resource to get children's attention and enthusiasm towards a task, it is to present the situation as a game. In this way, for example, it will be possible to play water balloon throwing, race in shallow places, throw a ball through the air without it falling or throw the inevitable frisbee.

In the same sense, something that can also help a lot is for the child to get together with friends and see them having fun in the water without problems. The same can happen with parents and siblings; the modeling technique plays a psychological role that could allow a faster adaptation.

3. Learn to swim

Once the previous phases have been overcome, and when the child enters the water without excessive fear, the first swimming exercises can be started. These are generally recommended for ages 4 and up.

The first jobs consist of holding on to the father or teacher to feel that his body floats and his feet do not reach the ground; in this way, you can start practicing the kick and arm stroke.

Later, submersion of the head underwater, floating, and vertical and horizontal balance can be practiced. For children, it is often easier to start with the famous 'doggy style' technique and then move on to more specific and complex styles.

4. Pay attention to context

Keep in mind that there are certain important factors that we must not ignore for this teaching to be successful. In the first place, the family member or instructor must be able to transmit their knowledge in a pedagogical and comprehensive way; that is, no pressure, teasing, or punishment.

Also, make sure the water is at a comfortable temperature and provide the child with the appropriate clothing and equipment, both for the activity itself and afterward. This will prevent the cold or even a possible illness from staying wet from discouraging it.

To conclude, it is appropriate to clarify that fear of water is not something exclusive to childhood; in fact, many adults also suffer from a similar condition. In these cases, professional psychological assistance may even be necessary, if this derives from some past trauma.

Beyond this, overcoming the fear of water can be easy if you approach this process with patience and the right techniques. Not forcing situations and transmitting security at all times are two essential factors to achieve good results in this mission.