While the water proves an enticing playground to some children, others harbor a fear of water that makes the same shallow pool seem like a dangerous place for play. If your child is aquaphobic, or has a fear of water, you can help them overcome it. By both considering the reasons behind this fear, and dedicating yourself to the task of helping them overcome it, you can transform your water-shy kid into an aqua-loving little swimmer.
Reasons for Aquaphobia
Children can develop a fear of water for any number of reasons, or for no real reason at all. Children of parents who are aquaphobic adopt this fear by following their parents’ lead. Others suffer from a fear of water due to a traumatic incident, such as a near downing or witnessing a water-related accident. Still others have no reason at all for being scared of water, but just seem to demonstrate a natural hesitancy to get into it.
The Smart Start
The way you introduce your child to water can play a large part in their feelings about it. By not pushing your child toward water play, but instead allowing them to develop an interest in this activity on their own, you can likely reduce their water-related stress. Start small when you introduce your child to water, ensuring that you support their exploration and carefully monitoring their first forays into the water to ensure the child doesn’t experience a negative water-related event.
Your Role in Correcting Water Fear
Many parents struggle with just what to do when their child exhibits a fear of water. While the natural response to this fear may be to push the child toward in-water play so that they see that there is nothing to fear from water, excessive pressure could actually increase their degree of fear. Instead, encourage, but don’t force, your child to explore water. Model water-loving behavior, showing them how much fun can be had in the water and encouraging them to join in the family fun in a shallow pool where the child is out of harm’s way.
Reward Adventurousness
Encourage your aquaphobic child to venture into the pool by offering them a reward. Before venturing to the pool, set a goal for your child. Tell your child, for example, that if they wade around in the wading pond, they can stop on the way home and get a small toy. When giving your child their earned reward, remind them why they are receiving the reward so that the child can clearly see the token as tied to their willingness to try water exploration.
Professional Assistance
If, despite your best efforts, your child retains a severe fear of water, it may be wise to seek professional assistance. While a fear of water in and of itself is not a huge problem, an excessive water phobia may indicate that your child has underlying anxiety issues to which you should tend. Speak with your child's physician regarding this severe fear, and ask this medical professional to recommend another course of action.
Words by Erin Schreiner
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