Apr 20
2016
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Tips on Getting Rid of Pool Anxiety in Kids
Tips on Getting Rid of Pool Anxiety in Kids
From a kid’s angle, a pool can seem very intimidating. It is only natural that not every child is going to look at one and feel the urge to just jump right in. Kids of all ages can feel some kind of pool anxiety about getting inside and this is completely normal. However, if that anxiety is severe enough to stop them getting into the pool, then that is when it’s time to step in and do something about it. There are many things you can do to help with anxiety in general. For example, marijuana has been growing in acclaim for it’s ability to alleviate anxiety symptoms (see https://www.canadacannabisdispensary.co/product-category/edibles/ for an example). Children can use medical marijuana, but they must receive a doctors recommendation. Therefore, this should only be used if your child struggles with anxiety in general or as a last resort for helping them to tackle their pool anxiety. With that in mind, here are some tips that should help them to overcome their fears:
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Start Small – If your toddler is screeching at the sight of your big pool, give them a little one to get used to first. Setting up a kiddie pool on the deck next to your big one will let them cool off too, without any fuss. Hopefully once they see how fun the big pool is, they will start to feel comfortable dipping their toes in. This approach has already been applied for various other areas of growth. For example, before your kids met there friends at pre-school, you would have shown them pretend playing games so they know when to expect when in an open environment. If you apply the small steps to the pool activities, you’re on for great success.
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Go Smaller – If even the kiddie pool proves to be too much, you might have to go back to basics and the bathtub. Make the bath a fun experience, and encourage your child to put their face in the water. Introduce him or her to water wings, and explain how they will help when the water is deeper. If your child is reluctant to be around any type of water, you should introduce the concept to them in very small steps.
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Sign Up for Swimming Lessons – Sometimes it is mom or dad who is making the swimming situation worse for a small child. Seeing other kids getting help, and having a professional show them the ropes, sometimes works at getting reluctant preschoolers to venture into the pool. Some organizations offer private swimming lessons that help your child become a confident swimmer. A simple search online can reveal the best swimming lessons that are local to you. For example, if you live in Canada, you can search for ‘private swimming lessons in Brampton‘ and it will reveal any swimming services within your area.
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Use Pool Toys – Water wings, floating lounges and other types of pool toys can also make a difference. Letting a child float around the top of the water first can work towards easing any anxiety.
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Set Up Gradual Goals – Even if that means one toe in the water today. Hold your child’s hand at each step, but do set goals that they can meet. Let them sit at the side one day and stick their legs inside. Next time, go onto the first step, and then the second, and so on. Keep up your end of the goal bargain and also be there for reassurance. It may take a little while, but eventually your child will start to feel comfortable.
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Express Confidence – Remember that small kids are getting their cues from you, so if you are anxious about them getting into the water, they will be too. Put aside your own fears and remain calm as they learn how to begin enjoying the benefit of a pool. You are their go-to person for what is safe, and if they sense that you feel the pool is, then they will be more inclined to want to try it out for themselves.
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Goggles – One other thing to consider is putting goggles on your child if they don’t want to go under the water. These may alleviate fears by allowing them to still see when down there, but not irritate their eyes.