Got a Child Afraid of Water on the Face?

Got a child afraid of water on the face? Meet Abram. I'm currently working on getting Abram to put his face in the water. The goal is to have him hold his breath and keep his whole face in the water for ten seconds — consistently and without hesitation. This skill is called breath control. Once he's mastered it, the next step in the learn-to-swim process is floating.

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There are four simple activities that get kids as young as two years old to put their face in the water — without goggles or a nose clip, which is the recommended approach. (Goggles can be introduced after they've mastered this first step.)

Abram is two months shy of four years old and isn't comfortable with water on his face — yet he's willing to try everything I present to him

The reason is simple: he's in control. And as long as he's in control, he feels comfortable and relaxed. By staying in the shallow end of the pool or on the steps, he knows he's safe — that relaxes him, and when he's relaxed, he's willing to challenge himself.

As a swim instructor or parent, your job is to motivate and encourage your child with activities like these — and to never force the child's head under the water. It will only prolong the process. It's also dangerous and irresponsible.

And finally, when your child pours water down his face, or puts his face in the water for a split second all by himself, remember to praise his accomplishments. (See Fear of Water? Help Your Child Put Their Face in the Water for more on this.)

I hope you have the opportunity to try some of these suggestions. If you do, let me know how it went — I'd love to hear all about it.

Love the water, but fence it in, Tessa

P.S. If you'd like to help your child overcome their fear of water — or you're a swim instructor and want to share tips — join my private Facebook group here.