Tri-County Therapy Water Aversions and Sensory Processing

Beach & Pool: My Child Doesn’t Like Going To The Beach Or Pool

July 3, 2018Tri-County Therapy Blog autism bathing occupational therapy pediatric therapy sensory sensory processing washing hair water aversions

My Child Doesn’t Like Going to the Beach or Pool

It can be incredibly difficult when you take your family to the beach or pool for some relaxation and fun, but your child will not get in the water. He may be unwilling to take off his shoes and socks, which may be due to an aversion to the texture or temperature of the pool concrete or sand. He may be fearful of the waves, watching them come closer and closer, or the loud noise of them crashing on the beach. The beach and pool can be a bit overwhelming and children (as well as adults) can be afraid of the unknown. Here are a few tips to try to get your child more comfortable and to make your summer more fun for the whole family!

Tip #1: Start Small!

Begin with Getting Comfortable at a Pool of Beach Before Progressing to the Water

Start poolside by having him play with toys near the edge of the water and gradually move closer to the water until he feels ready to go into the water. This can help him gain confidence for this new environment and he will be in the water in no time!

While in the pool, have fun by introducing toys, floats, or games to have your child feel more relaxed in the water. Flotation devices give your child more confidence and independence in the water, as well as make floating a little easier and decrease overall fear.

Try visiting the pool or beach when it is less crowded to limit noise, splashing, and feeling overwhelmed. To ease your child into this new setting, try taking him during more quiet hours. This way your child won’t be exposed to splashing water and noise will be at a minimum to allow him to get more comfortable. Also, visiting the beach in regular clothes without the expectation to get in the water can help put your child at ease!

Try wearing googles, as they can be a useful tool in the water if your child is sensitive to water in his eyes or around his face. Goggles can make splashing play a little more enjoyable for your child, as there is a protective barrier between his eyes/nose and the water. He can get a little water in his face but still see and have the sensation of getting water in his eyes or nose.

Tip #2: Bring A Kiddie Pool or Small Bucket

A kiddie pool is something with which many children are familiar. It is portable, so your child can play with it in the comfort and familiarity of your backyard and then be readily transported to the beach. This provides your child something in which he can feel comfortable, while exploring this whole new area that is the beach! You can fill the kiddie pool up with water or sand for beach-side play time. Be sure to bring some favorite toys to increase comfort and overall fun!

Try moving the kiddie pool closer and closer to the water as the day progresses and your child gets more comfortable with his surroundings, making this a more predictable, but fun-filled experience.

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Bathing & Water Sensitivity: My Child Doesn’t Like Getting Wet

June 19, 2018Tri-County Therapy Blog autism bathing occupational therapy pediatric therapy sensory sensory processing washing hair water aversions

My Child Doesn’t Like Getting a Bath or Having His Hair Washed:

Bath time can be a daily struggle. Your child may not want to get into the water with the faucet running due to the loud sound it makes or she may show discomfort having his hair washed or getting his face wet, due to fear of getting water in his eyes. Below are a few pointers to make bath time a fun experience for your child.

Tip #1: Play in an Empty Tub

Playing in an empty tub can show your child that there is nothing to fear and that the tub can be fun! This can help decrease his overall stress and anxiety, making the transition to a tub filled with water a little more comfortable for all those involved.

Tip #2: Give Toys a Bath

Have your child give toys such as cars a carwash or a doll a bath in the tub. Start with very little water in the tub. If your child does not want to get in the tub, have him sit on the edge to wash the toys, slowing progressing to sitting in the tub (with or without water). This shows your child that it can be fun to bathe and that everything needs to get clean!

Tip #3: Avoid The Face

Avoid pouring water over your child’s face, as this can be uncomfortable and frightening to children that are sensitive to having things around their eyes as well as an overall scary sensation. Water provides extra pressure and sometimes this pressure can be unsettling for children.

To avoid getting water into your child’s face, try using a washcloth or towel to protect your child’s eyes, while being mindful to tip his head slightly backwards. You can also utilize a bath time visor with will fit around your child’s head and protects his face from becoming wet.

Extra Tips:

Have child enter bathtub after it has been filled and the faucet is no longer running if the noise or sight of running water causes anxiety. You can also decrease faucet pressure if this an option.

Prior to bath time, have your child get ready for the activity with use of various deep pressure activities to provide calming sensory input. Activities such as animal walks, wall push-ups and deep squeezes/hugs can provide needed pressure to help them better self-regulate during this stressful time.

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