Water confidence refers to being comfortable and feeling secure in and around water. According to research done, it encompasses a psychological sense of ease and physical ability to move through water effectively. There is no doubt that the earlier you start helping your child develop water confidence the better. It will help prevent water phobia and build a foundation for lifelong water safety and enjoyment.
From early fun and play in the bathtub, to entering the pool, the initial is water adjustment in which the child learns to be comfortable in the pool. Before the first trip to the pool, get your child accustomed to water during bath time. If your child loves the water, you need to keep it that way. Once your child is happy playing in the bath, you can transfer the bath time games to the pool. The pool is a classroom where the lessons teach self-reliance, fun and how to deal with new experiences. Swimming is an important life skill that all children need to learn, it is a confidence building adventure. While some kids are natural water babies, it can take others a little more convincing to boost their swimming confidence. Babies love water. Combining water sports with toys and games is a wonderful way to encourage water confidence.
Every child’s first dip into the pool is a big deal. It is a new environment with sensations and challenges. Encourage them to take it one paddle at a time, celebrating each attempt, whether it is blowing bubbles or kicking their legs. Play is a terrific way for the child to become comfortable with having water poured or splashed onto him. Slowly conditioning the child to feel water on his eyes, nose ears and mouth helps him to gradually adapt to and later enjoy the sensation of water over his face when he goes under water. As children learn to navigate the water, they are doing so much more than just swimming. They are learning to trust themselves, to push through uncertainty and revel in their progress. Each lesson is a layer, building them up into confident individuals. Every child’s swimming journey is unique, filled with its own challenges and victories.
The role you play as parent is phenomenal. For a clinging, fearful child, the pool can be a daunting place, but you can change his perception by building up trust and confidence in you. Never pull a clinging child off you, but slowly ease him towards a new level of comfort through play. That is why it is important to start parent and baby classes till about the age of two. Great bonding time! I recommend classes with the same teacher so that the child can build a relationship and trust with the teacher. Shallow steps in the pool will remind him of the comfort of the bathtub. Children should be encouraged to wet their faces, splash, blow bubbles and play in the bath to get familiarised with the water.
Celebrate the small victories as much as the big leaps and remind them that every effort is a step towards being their most confident selves. Encourage them, be patient and ensure that you are proud of them, every step of the way.