How do you break a fear of water?

Question

My son used to love the water. At age 12 mo he was swimming completely on his own under water. At the beginning of summer he got knocked in unexpectedly into the pool. I grabbed him out right away and he held his breath just fine, but it must have scared him b/c since then he seems terrified of the pool. He's 21 mo old now. When I say Jonny wanna go swimming he screams and says no no no mama. We go and he eases himself in and usually has a good time but he's much more timid than he used to be. he wont go under anymore and he wont do the baby slides anymore. is there anything I can do to help him overcome this? right now I am just kinda giving him his space and letting him do what he wants when he's ready/

Answer 1

sounds like you're doing the right thing already. you're still taking him and letting him know that there isn't anything to be afraid of. don't put any pressure to do the things he used to do. he might not be the same this summer or ever, OR he might start next summer and act like it never happened. just keep taking him and he'll figure out what is right for him

Answer 2

just let him get over it on his own. You might want to try getting some of his little friends who like the water and take them to the pool ounce he sees how much fun they are having he may ease up a little bit. also try taking him to the beach and putting him in either a baby raft boat or a baby swim seat that way he will know that he can't go under.

Answer 3

Take it slow! Don't even tell him you're going to the pool...just do it and slowly dip him into the water. He may scream in remembrance of accidentally falling in awhile ago; however, in time, he will learn that swimming can be fun again. Good Luck!

Answer 4

I would just continue doing what you're doing. No need to rush him. If he gets into the water that's a good sign. As he gets older he will eventually feel more and more comfortable.

Answer 5

let him be in time he will forget this and put a life jacket on him