Helping your child build confidence in the water is so important! These easy tips will help your child gain more confidence and make your swimming experience fun and safe for everyone.
This post was sponsored by SwimWays as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central and all opinions expressed in my post are my own.
Many children have a fear of water.
It might start when they are very little and are afraid of being in the bathtub or shower. It is totally normal for children to have fear and anxiety when it comes to water.
But there are some easy tips and tricks that you can do- as their trusted adult- to help them gain the confidence they need to enjoy being in the water.
Introduce them to water at a young age
It’s never too early to introduce your child to water. Be sure to use all safety measures and stay with them 100% of the time.
The earlier they are exposed to the water- the higher chance they will become more comfortable in it.
That’s not to say a fear or phobia of water won’t develop later on- but doing something familiar can help them form strong memories and associations that can help them remember their love for the water later on.
Babies are first introduced to the bath and water from day one.
Bathing them is a great first step.
Check with your pediatrician about taking them to pools, oceans, or lakes- but once you get the go ahead start thinking about introducing them to water experiences outside of the bathtub.
Find swim toys they’ll love
You would think playing in the water comes naturally. But it isn’t always that easy!
Making it fun and exciting is one way you can help them engage and gain confidence.
One way to do that is to involve water toys and tools that help them create a love for the water.
We have loved using SwimWays products as they are the #1 trusted brand. They have a great line of products that help children feel safe and happy as they navigate the waters- and they have been helping children to learn to swim for over 50 years!
The Swim Steps program offers products for all skill levels, from water introduction floaties to swim training tools such as swim vests, making it easy for you to share your love of the water and build your child’s confidence.
Did you know that the Swim Steps Program includes three levels? This helps ensure that your child receives the correct product and training for their age level and ability!
Step One products include the Sun Canopy Baby Boat. This inflatable baby boat features fun bright colors and characters the baby will love. The removable canopy provides the perfect amount of shade. Made with exceptional heavy-duty construction and child safety to provide peace of mind.
Step Two products include a Swim Vest and Swim Trainer which is a U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device for kids. This kids’ life vest features built-in chest and arm flotation designed for greater mobility in the water.
Step Three products are for older, more advanced and confident swimmers. They include a Kickboard and is made of sturdy, buoyant foam and features vivid,high-intensity graphics on the entire top surface of the board. It is a great tool to help encourage your child and boost their confidence!
Funny Face Swim Masks features an easy-to-adjust head strap, a leak-resistant design, and soft construction for a comfortable fit.
SwimWays products are so easy to find and purchase. You can do so at Target, Walmart, and Amazon.
Swim together as a family
When your child sees their parents, grandparents, siblings, cousins, aunts and uncles in the water having a good time- it can help them feel safe and want to join in.
Make it a family affair!
Sometimes having that older cousin or sibling by their side– encouraging them is all it takes to help them feel confident that they too can enjoy the water.
Validate their fears
Some children have legitimate fears and anxieties that need to be validated. Don’t be pushy and never make fun of them for their fears. Use words of encouragement to help them feel excited and gain confidence..
Really take the time to listen, and understand where they are coming from and go at their pace-while implementing these tips.
Celebrate their small victories that will encourage them to keep going.
Enroll them in swim lessons
Swimming lessons are a great way to help your child gain confidnece in the water.
Sometimes children respond better to adults other than their parents which makes swim lessons from a licensed professional a great idea.
Swim lessons will help them learn proper skills and technique.
Don’t give up
Whatever you do – don’t give up!
Keep going to the pool, don’t take them out of lessons, use SwimWays products from the time they are little to help them get used to the water.
Even if they resist or lack the skill and confidence you wish they had- quitting will only make it harder.
Never leave your child unattended when they are unsure of the water or not old enough to swim on their own- and remember to keep it fun and show your children how much you love the water, too!
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