Helping your Child Overcome Water Fears

By grooming our children to face small challenges like learning to swim, they develop the psychological muscle to deal with greater challenges in the future. With each success they learn they are capable and believe they can handle more.

As parents we want to prepare our children for life, not protect them. So, this summer when your tots scream as you lift them up over the dark waters of the lake, keep in mind these suggestions:

• Don't minimize the reality of their fear ("Oh come on, it's just like the pool, don't be silly.")
• Don't be overly impressed with their fears ("Oh honey, I'm sorry, let me get you a freezie. Let mommy wipe your tears.")
• Don't over emphasize re-assurances ("It's just water, it's okay, your safe, mommy has you, nothing will happen.")
• Don't expect your child to be fearful of the water, as children will live up to our expectations.
• Don't be a slave to their fear. If they only go in the water "their way" and "their way" involves paralyzing you, you are actually supporting their belief.
• Do be matter of fact and unimpressed ("That's okay. If you don't like the water you don't have to go in.")
• Do continue having a good time yourself. The best way to grow an interest in swimming is to be a swimmer yourself.
• Do have faith and show encouragement ("I am sure that one day you may decide you'd like to be swimming in the lake so much you won't let your fear stop you.")

Meet our Expert

Alyson Schafer is a psychotherapist and one of Canada's leading parenting experts. She is the best selling author of Breaking the Good Mom Myth and Honey, I Wrecked The Kids. She just released her third title: Ain’t Misbehavin’ Her popular TV call-in show, The Parenting Show, is now in its fourth season. For more on her principles, rules and tools for parenting visit: alyson.ca

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