THElast summer, everything was going well, remembers Roxanne. Lola obediently allowed herself to be smeared with sunscreen and wisely kept sunglasses, bob and armbands. This year, it’s quite a movie to put them on! However, they are essential, his safety is at stake. Prin urmare it is not negotiable! But at 3-4 years old, this argument obviously has little weight with a child still in full opposition phase. Refusing the armbands, as well as saying “no” systematically to any constraint, allows him to test the limits and to claim, in its own way, its brand new identity as a great. And precisely, “armbands are for babies”, she assures you!
Hear his arguments
The solution ? Give your child what he wants loud and clear, that is to say consider him great. Not by giving in of course, but by offering to explain to you why he does not want to. “Listening with kindness to the reasons for his refusal does not prevent setting a framework, recalls Aurélie Crétin, psychologist and psychotherapist. But it will help you to limit his opposition. »He does not want this accessory reserved for the little ones? Show her other children her age who wear them. Explanationthat his big sister also wore it at 3 years old. Soon he will be able to imitate him and swim like a fish. But for that, he must train safely. Does he think his sister’s armbands are ugly? Stop by the beach store for more choose others together. It’s no, he persists? So give him the choice, without getting angry. It’s simple, either he wears them and he goes in the water to have fun with his friends, or he stays playing on the sand. He should quickly claim them from you!
Help him tame the water gently
Does your child seem happy to stay next to you? Perhaps his initial refusal was simply hiding a fear of water. At this age, it is much more common than you might imagine. We must then help him tame this new element. And for that, nothing beats your arms. Keeping him strapped to your hip, slowly step into the water until the water reaches your waist and knees. Next, let yourself be guided by his reactions. If he looks scared, don’t laugh at him, don’t splash him, that will only make things worse. Get out of the water, explaining that you will try again later. Without forgetting to congratulate him on this attempt. His curiosity should quickly prompt him to give it another try.
Aurelia Dubuc