How to Teach a Child to Go Underwater

Most children love to play in the pool, so teaching them to go underwater is easy. The key is to take it slow and make it fun.

Instructions

1. First teach her to be comfortable in the water. Start with kiddie pools, then move on to supervised swimming in a full-sized pool.

2. Have the child watch you go underwater. Have him hold onto the side of the pool while you duck your head below the surface. Do this several times, moving around to different spots in the pool.

3. Let the child join you underwater. Have her hold onto your shoulders or hands as you duck your head underwater. She can use her hold to pull herself under and push back up to the surface.

4. Play some underwater games with your child. Have a tea party, pouring him an imaginary cup of tea while you are under the water. Let him ride on your back, telling him when you are about to go under together for a quick dive.

5. Have your child go underwater on her own. Stand right in front of her so that she knows you are there to help should anything go wrong.

6. If your child knows how to swim, you can give him greater and greater freedom to go underwater on his own once he feels comfortable with it.