This can be frustrating if the child is afraid to go in the water. But it's also perfectly natural. Here are some reasons why your child might be afraid of water.

Immaturity

Young children and preschoolers are beginning to explore the world and their role in it. Even if your child has enjoyed swimming and bathing since birth, he or she may suddenly develop a fear of water. Pools or lakes may seem huge and scary. Your child may also realize that water can be a source of danger.

A bad experience

A child who has fallen into the water has an obvious reason to be afraid. He or she felt out of control in the water and may have come in contact with his or her eyes, mouth, nose, and lungs. This is a frightening experience that the child does not want to repeat.

Discomfort

Fear of water can also result from discomfort. Some children are reluctant to go back into the water if they get water in their eyes, nose, or mouth.

Observation

Children are always observing the people around them. If their parents or others close to them are afraid of water, children are likely to pick up on that fear. News reports can also be a trigger. If your child recently heard about a drowning accident or shark attack on the news, it may trigger a fear that something similar could happen to them.

How can you help?

If your child is afraid, the first thing to do is to find out where the fear comes from. Be supportive. Don't push your child into the water until he or she feels comfortable. Instead, make swimming, bathing, and being around water a pleasant experience. Have a family picnic by the lake, wade along the beach or play in the tub.

Above all, keep a positive attitude and praise your child for every bit of progress, no matter how small. Over time, your child will become more and more comfortable and eager to get in the water.

Don't worry. Swimming lessons are always an option! Many children are afraid of the water, but they can become strong and confident swimmers. They just need a little help.

Helping Children Overcome A Fear Of Water

Listen to your children!

As adults, it can be frustrating when your children seem to be slowed down by irrational fears. It's important to remember that your child's fear of water is very real and not irrational at all. After all, water can be deadly.

Take the time to listen to your child and find out exactly where his or her fear is located. You may find that the fear is not of the water itself, but of the creatures that think they are in it. Perhaps the child is also uncomfortable in a group setting. The live water of a river may seem scary, but swimming pools are perfect. It may also be that the real fear is that the water is cold.

Go slowly.

Not only do you need to listen to your child and validate his or her fears, but you also need to be patient. Don't force your child to go into the water. Take your time.

You can start with a simple visit to the water. Maybe have a family picnic on the shore of a lake. Or you can simply sit at the edge of the pool. If your child has older siblings, watching them play in the water can make the experience more appealing. Help the child feel comfortable around the water before going in.

When kids have fun, they want to keep swimming. Here are six games that will help your child learn to swim without even realizing it. Learning to swim is an important life skill, but how can you keep your child motivated and engaged? Games are a great place to start. It's all in good fun for them! Here are six games to help your child learn to swim.

Six Games That Will Help Your Child Learn To Swim

Talk to fish

The first step in learning to swim is to feel comfortable in the water. This game is ideal for children who are learning to swim.

Imagine that there are fish in the water. Explain to the child that the fish are making bubbles and that you will blow bubbles to talk to the fish. Put your face in the water, blow bubbles, and come out with a smile.

Then tell the child that you will also listen to the fish by putting your ear in the water. Don't forget to tell the child all the nonsense the fish says.

Now it's your child's turn. Praise them when they blow bubbles. Take turns talking to the fish and telling all the funny things they say.

Favorite sea animal

Most kids love animals and what better way to make them feel comfortable in the water than to pretend you're an animal? If you have several children, you can have them take turns choosing the type of water they pretend to be in, and each child chooses the aquatic animal to impersonate.

Your children can be goldfish in a pond, sea turtles in the ocean, or minnows in a lake. They will feel more comfortable and have more fun in the water.

Treasure Hunt

Who doesn't love a good treasure hunt? If the swimmer is more comfortable underwater, various items can be placed on the bottom of the pool. Find out how many kids can retrieve them in a certain amount of time.

Want to have a little friendly competition? Involve your child's siblings or friends. Find out who can recover the best in three minutes. Always make sure at least one adult is present to ensure the children's safety.

The best way to learn is to have fun. Games are a way for children to practice swimming, and the whole family can participate.