A Child's Fear of the Water Environment

Abstract

Fear of the water can incapacitate children when they approach the water environment. Some causes of fear are determined. These fears can be prevented or alleviated once the positive attributes of commonly occurring water settings are shared with children. To gain greater understanding of fear and its effects on the child, learned behaviors associated with fear are divided into behavioral and non-behavioral categories. Also discussed are preparatory and responsive actions which parents can use when attempting to deal with the effects of children's fear. Positive and negative coping strategies and behaviors are also outlined.