Parenting In Focus: Pay attention to water

Published 1:30 am Wednesday, May 17, 2023

Water is a great thing. We need it to keep us hydrated and to keep us clean and it can also be fun to play with.

But the fun of water needs to be carefully taught.

Here are some simple things to keep your little one safe at home that will reduce the risks for your child from getting in trouble and even from drowning:

• Empty all buckets, pails, and bathtubs completely after each use. Never leave a filled bucket or bathtub unattended.

• Keep your child out of the bathroom unless you are there. Use a doorknob cover or other device to keep her from letting herself in.

• Never leave her alone in a bathtub or in the care of another child, even for a moment. Ignore the telephone.

• Use a rigid, lockable cover on a hot tub, spa, or whirlpool, or use a fence on all four sides to keep children out.

• Empty blow-up pools after each use. Don’t try to save them for another day with water in them.

• Watch children closely when they are playing near wells, open post holes, or irrigation or drainage ditches. Fill in places that collect water or have fences installed to protect your child.

• Learn CPR and know how to get emergency help.

You want your child to learn about the fun of being in water. It is a lesson well worth teaching. Another water lesson that is important for young children is learning to swim.

One of the best things about summertime are the many places that make swimming lessons for children available. Places like the YMCA and any other place that has a pool; check them out. The value for your child is immense.

Start your child young. You will be amazed how quickly your little one learns. As your child learns to play in the water, it gives you more active ways to play with your child. Hopefully you are already a swimmer and can encourage his swimming progress. Swimming together is a great activity for any family.

Let your child hear you talking to others about his swimming lessons and how fast he is learning.

Just knowing that you are pleased with how he (or she) is doing will encourage your child to try even harder.

Cynthia Martin is the founder of the First Teacher program and former executive director of Parenting Matters Foundation, which published newsletters for parents, caregivers and grandparents.