Parent’s Fear vs. Child’s Fear

Overcoming the fear of water can be a daunting and difficult task.  This is true for all ages however parents have the choice to make this an easier process for their children especially if the fear as actually their own.  Now, it is true that some kids should come with a warning label and have no fear and can almost be mistaken for having a death wish.  But more often than not children whom fear the water are really expressing the fear that parents have instilled in them.  Fear is commonly and unconsciously taught to children by parents’ actions, language and projections of their own fear.

We see in many classes parents who react to certain activities for example holding the child higher out of the water to keep their children’s face away from the interface, or grabbing them quickly when they approach the wall, or even preventing submersions all together.  The belief is to keep the child comfortable, which in turn is preventing the exact action we are trying to teach:  children can be comfortable and safe in and under the water through baby swimming lessons, breath control, and awareness.

Parents must recognize if their own fear is effecting and playing a role in their child’s development.  Of course when teaching safety to children, comes teaching responsibility and a healthy respect for the pool, once that is established comfort and fun can be experienced while a parent can relax because they know their child is relaxed and safer in the water.

Allow your child to dunk underwater.  Take a deep breath and blow bubbles simultaneously as you work with your baby.  Your body will relax as so will your child’s body.  Give them the time to learn how to support their own weight as they are holding on to the wall.  Allow them to climb out of the pool on their own by letting them struggle a bit with it at first.  Carry your infant closer to the water’s interface getting them comfortable with that sensation of the water around their face, ears, and mouth.  Sometimes a parent’s fear will diminish when you see your child feeling comfortable and having fun in the water as well.

Take pleasure in the lessons.  The SwimJim staff is trained and knowledgeable, follow their actions and trust.  But most of all relax and enjoy swimming with SwimJim is always supposed to be fun.

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