How to Help Our Children Manage the Stress of Injuries
Fear of the sea, also known as thalassophobia, is a very common fear among children. Often, this phobia can seem irrational to adults, but for kids, it's a very real and sometimes terrifying experience. In this post, you will learn how to help your child overcome their fear of the sea effectively and empathetically.
Fear of water can arise from various sources. Some children have a phobia of the sea without having had a previous traumatic experience. This may be due to observing fearful behaviors in others or simply fear of the unknown. The sea is a vast body of water that can seem infinite, which can be confusing and frightening for a young mind.
To address the fear of the sea, the first thing we must do is identify and normalize that fear. It's crucial to accept and respect your child's fear. Avoid the temptation to minimize their feelings or to be impatient. Accepting the fear is the first step for them to do the same and to feel more comfortable talking about and facing it.
A common mistake is trying to avoid the sea or the pool altogether. Although this may seem like a solution, it can actually intensify the fear. You should encourage your child to face their fear while offering safety and constant companionship. As the Crab remarked in the audio story "Lola and the Sea": "People who love you will never ask you to do something that puts you in danger."
Teaching breathing and relaxation techniques can be very helpful for kids to manage the physical symptoms of anxiety associated with the fear of the sea. Additionally, you can gradually introduce them to the water. Start with simple activities like building sandcastles near the water, and gradually move on to dipping their toes in the sea. Recognize all their achievements, no matter how small, and celebrate their bravery.
At Cuentología, we understand that facing fears can be a challenging process for both children and parents. That’s why we’ve created audio stories like "Lola and the Sea". This immersive and expert-approved tale follows the story of Lola, a little limpet who is afraid to dive into the deep water. Through this narrative, your child will learn about the courage to face fears and discover that the sea can be a wonderful and fun place. After the story, you can draw their fears together and plan concrete steps to face them. At Cuentología, we believe in the magic of stories to transform fears into adventures.
