My daughter is afraid of water and I hold my heart with my children near water

Hydrophobia. Both my daughter and myself suffer from it. The swimming lesson is a punishment and the combination of child and water is sometimes frightening. Those nasty messages from (almost) drowned children are coming in again and I think it's terrifying!

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Water fear from two perspectives

My daughter, who is just 6 years old, is afraid of the deep bath during swimming lessons. Where her sister went through all the steps smoothly with some nerves, it is a punishment for her sister to go to swimming lessons. The idea that she can't stand and sinks is so ingrained in her head that she can't get over that fear. Disappointed, but also understandable.

Of course, the idea of ​​drowning is also very frightening. Even if it is covered with water rings and corks, the fear of water is difficult to combat. A trembling body with thick tears and a trembling lip. It will take more time for her to gain confidence in water and swimming abilities. She can do it, but she simply doesn't dare yet.

Drowning; a mother's fear

As parents, we find a swimming diploma very important and much needed in a water-rich country such as the Netherlands. It does feel a bit like relief when you know that they can survive in the water. My biggest nightmare was, and still is with half a toddler and toddler without a swimming certificate, that my child ends up in the water and drowns.

Because, as you can see in the video above by Najib Amhali, it happens in a fraction of a second. No matter how much you watch them. My youngest is certainly enterprising, and if you get distracted for a few seconds and don't have him in your sights for a few seconds, the bird may have already flown. I am therefore extra alert when it comes to water; baths, lakes, ditches, ports. But even a pool with a small layer can be enough for a little one to drown in it. I think it is important that I do not transfer the fear, but that I point out their safety.

Tips for child safety around water

Drowning is the number 1 cause of death in accidents involving children aged 0-4 years. But playing with water is also a lot of fun! How can you let them play in and around water as safely as possible? Here are some tips:

• Always keep an eye on your child(ren) and stay within reach of small children (babies, toddlers, preschoolers)
• Do not assume that someone else will watch your child, unless this has really been agreed
• Don't get distracted! Put that smartphone or tablet away for a while, that already saves half.
• Put on swimming armbands, unless on open water with offshore wind, and put on a life jacket on the boat
• Make sure that a swimming ring or baby floater does not flip over!
• Note the water temperature, which can cause hypothermia
• Children with a swimming certificate up to the age of 6 or children who do not swim regularly are never 100% water safe, they always need supervision

Tips for fear of water

Although they will not necessarily seek out the risk themselves, hydrophobia is no fun either. Fear is a bad counselor. What can you do to overcome that fear of water in your child? Also some tips for this:

• Don't make a child afraid of water
• Do not force/force a child, but let it come into contact with water while playing and stimulate your child, even if you start with a washtub, all profit is included
• Make clear agreements with each other if you go a step further, don't let go of a child unexpectedly if, for example, he floats
• Teach a child to trust  themselves in the water
• Learn to float early, for example, they literally know how to keep their heads above water and stay calm
• Water in the face is also often a 'thing'. Now and then gently splash some water at each other and learn to blow bubbles in the water or put water in your mouth and spit it out
• Try to go under the water slowly in steps and look under the water so that they see what is happening
• Practice and getting to know yourself and water is the credo! You can make them water-free sooner in a playful way

Tackling the fear of water with a lot of practice and play

I also see these points in my daughter. Her fear of water mainly arises when swimming on the back. Having no sight and being afraid to sink into the depths also play a role in her fear of water.

We hope to achieve confidence and decrease the fear by practicing a lot and playing with water. Outside of class she is a bit freer but we still have a way to go. Fortunately, the instructors think along and do not force anything. During the lesson they help her and figuratively don't let her 'swim' and say clearly what they together do.

I wish all parents and children a summer full of safe water fun!!

Important A while ago we also shared a video on Facebook about a near-drowning. Not a nice movie to watch, but important to see once. This way you know what to look out for if you see this happening around you!

Image used via Shutterstock