Is your child addicted to using goggles?

Children may develop a dependency on goggles because they are used to closing their eyes the tub or shower.  If one day they go to a pool and forget their goggles, they won't go in the pool without them.  Or, they might jump in the pool and their goggles fall off, so they panic and may not be able to swim to safety.  

When a baby starts swimming at under 2 years old, they don't need goggles to swim but as they get older they become more sensitive.

If we really want our children to be water safe we need to have them practice swimming with their eyes open without goggles.  The child needs to know that what they see will be blurry but they CAN SEE under the water.  Play the game that i call The Dolphin with a parent.  Here is D with his dad.

Or you can put a toy or a prize, on the step or in your hand for the child to get. Do it several times and make it a game!  It doesn't take a lot of time and it will help your child be more comfortable and secure in the water.  Practice several times a year especially if you see your child is depending on goggles to go in the water all the time.

My child loves her bath but is scared at the pool!

Playing and floating in the bathtub

My child is scared of the pool but loves the bath…

Something may have set your child to being scared.  

As a child gets to be 3 years old, it does make sense that the child will see that there is danger in "big water."  It is a healthy fear; one that saves young children from jumping into a pool unattended.  However, you want your child to feel safe when you are there.  

Here are some ideas:

• Bring some of his favorite bath-tub toys and play near the pool.  Then, sit your child at the edge of the pool and you get in and play with the toys, inviting your child to get in with you. 
• If the pool has long steps, sit on the steps and see if your child wil sit there with you.  
• If you are impatient or your child still doesn’t want to get in the pool, You may have to just hold him and carry him into the water.  Sing, jump around, talk softly and ignore any crying while sounding like you are having fun.  
• Go to the pool every day but just for short periods.  
• Don’t tell him ahead of time where you are going and let him see you have fun.  
• Take a relative or little friend who likes the water and can help your child forget his fears. 

Soon your little one will be playing and splashing and ready for going under the water!!