(Let me know if you have any specific questions about this age group. I'll happily answer every single one of them. Just hit reply and fire away.)
The first step, as with all age groups, is to master breath control. Your child needs to be comfortable putting their face in the water before attaining this skill.
If your child doesn't like water on the face and you're introducing them to this at two-plus years of age, it's going to require a lot of patience on your part and the ability to give up control.
Here're a few tips to get your 2-year-old comfortable with water on the face.
- Encourage independence in shallow water where kids can be in control.
- Provide fun games, activities, and songs that encourage voluntary breath control. At this age, children need to put their faces in the water voluntarily.
- Never force a child's head under the water. You will lose their trust.
- Be sure to let them go at their own pace, no matter how slow that might seem. Every child is different and will be ready to put their face in the water in their own time. Trust that it will happen.
- Children of this age group love to imitate their parents, so make a fun game out of it. Be silly and animated as you pour water over your head with a cup or a watering can and then encourage them to do the same. Some 2-year-olds, not all, will even let you pour the water over their heads. If you know that your kid is going to be okay with it, then go for it.
- Show your child how you can put your face in the water. Start by taking a deep breath and filling up your cheeks with air (I call this "balloon cheeks") and put your face in the water for a few seconds. Now, encourage your child to do the same, even if it's just for a split second.
Hit me with those questions. I'll be back next week to answer them. Until then, have some fun water playtime with your little one and be sure to celebrate all the little victories, no matter how small.
