As parents, we have a responsibility to teach our children a whole host of different key skills. However, one that is often overlooked is the ability to feel comfortable in the water. In truth, though, there could be nothing worse than being in a position where you fear the worst every time they go to the local pool or beach. Starting them young is a must.
Most parents want to encourage a good relationship with the outdoors, and the water should be an important aspect. It can feel like a daunting task, but it’s one that all parents should complete. After all, the longer you leave it, the harder it can become for them to learn. Here’s everything you need to know.
Teach Awareness, Not Fear
Water can be dangerous, so it’s imperative that you teach your kids how to be safe in it. On the other hand, you don’t want them to be petrified. Finding the right balance to teach awareness in a positive manner is key.
When dealing with natural water, you need to teach them the basics of rip tides. Knowing how to avoid them and what to do should a situation arise could potentially save their life. Even if the knowledge isn’t ever called upon, those skills should give them a lot more confidence.
Above all else, your children should know not do anything they aren’t comfortable. This is one aspect of life where they simply cannot bow to peer pressure. There’s far too much at risk.
Make It Fun
If you want children to respond to any life lesson in a productive manner, adding a sense of enjoyment is vital. Thankfully, the water is one area where this should not be a problem.
Investing in fun water sport accessories will inject added fun to those activities. Apart from making it easier to teach greater safety, it can allow you to have much greater fun as a family. Let’s face it; riding those waves and playing sports has to be a lot more rewarding than sitting on the sofa watching films.
Any opportunity to educate children while having fun has to be a positive experience. If nothing else, it will stop your kids from thinking you’re a square. That’s something every Dad can appreciate.
Think Above Other Factors
When teaching your kids about the water, they need to feel comfortable throughout the entire interaction. That means before, during, and after the activity itself. Ignoring any of those factors could have a damning effect.
Choosing suitable clothing is vital while goggles and other accessories can go a long way to increasing their enjoyment too. When going swimming at the local pool (or even using a friend’s paddling pool), it’s important to take towels, cleaning essentials and other key items. As an adult, you can probably deal with minor discomfort. For you kids, though, it can have a massive influence on their overall enjoyment.
Teaching kids at an early age has plenty of benefits and also puts them in a stronger position when it comes to taking lessons at school. Start now by following those ideas above and you will not go wrong.