I originally wrote this post three years ago and feel the need to repost it every year. This technique has been so helpful over the years.
From the very first time he went into the ocean he loved it. He kept crawling toward it and we had to pull him out because as Ted says, “He’s braver than he is smart.” He will just keep going out into the water and not think anything of it.
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| The first time Teddy went to the beach when he could walk (1 1/2 yrs old) |
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| He didn’t have to go in holding someone’s hand (2 1/2 yrs) and stayed there until dragged out |
Two years ago this became a big problem. He didn’t want to get out of the water and I didn’t want to spend the entire day standing there with him, so I would let him go in by himself.
Don’t worry, I didn’t let a four year old just wander around, at this point in time I didn’t take the kids to the beach by myself. We would go and there would be at least five adults, someone was always watching.
I had to keep going and telling him he was in too deep. My dad said something about a line, and it dawned on me. I had a Sharpie in my bag. I called Teddy over and drew a line right on his stomach. I told him he couldn’t go out in the water past that line or he would have to come and sit down.
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| His first line (it was high because someone still sat close to the water) |
Well, he went into the water and after every step he took, he looked down to see if he past the line.
I worked like a charm. I am a genius! I don’t have to keep getting up and telling him to come closer anymore.
The level of the line can change depending on the waves or how well he stayed below it the last time.
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| This week’s line |
He knows if he sees me standing at the edge of the water with my hands on my hips that he went too far. He doesn’t even argue about it anymore. He comes out, he sits down (it’s usually the only time I can reapply sunscreen), has a bite to eat and then he goes back out when he’s done his time.
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| This is what happens when you go past the line |
Such a great idea! I Love it. I also love the "he's braver than he is smart." Stephanie is the same way! No fear whatsoever and she loves the ocean. Gives me a heart attack every time.
I am loving this idea, especially as my older guy starts getting more brave with the water. Having a tangible (and visible) reminder is soooo smart!
That is a fabulous idea! Thanks for sharing. I can't wait to get to the beach. Hopefully next week now that they are FINALLY out of school/.
That’s actually a brilliant idea. I think I am going to do that with my two the next time we hit the beach.
This is a really, really good idea. So great that you’re implementing safe water practices right away.
I’ve never heard of this idea. Very clever and prevents a lot of arguments I’m sure!
That’s actually a really good idea. I don’t know if I could really do that with my girls because of their swim suits though…but I do love this idea. It’s a great way to keep kids safe.
This is a fantastic idea. I wish I would have thought about doing that with my kids. I was always worried they would go in to far.
I love this idea. I will have to bring a Sharpie with me the next time we go to the beach.
A great idea – I’m still too worried to leave the water just yet but like the idea a whole lot!
That is so smart and such a great visual reminder for him! I love that you have consequences when he goes too far too.
What a great reminder of how far is too far when playing in the ocean. I’m alway super observant when watching the kids at the beach.
There are certain times in our parenting careers where we have ideas that are just so genius, it’s almost unbelievable. This was your time. That was absolutely brilliant thinking.
It’s very important to keep the kids safe at the beach. My daughters love going to the beach and building sand castles. They also enjoy getting their feet wet in the water! We’ll be heading to the beach in a week or so!
This is a really good idea. I don’t know why I never thought of this when the kids were little!
That is such a great idea! I will have to keep this in mind next time we take the kids swimming!
What an ingenious idea. My kids were that braver than smart kid at one time. My husband usually spent as much time in the water as the kids did. Don’t know if that was because he liked the water or he wanted to givve me peace of mind.
Oh my gosh! We are going to the beach next week and I was wondering how I was going to deal with this exact problem! Now I have the perfect solution! This is so smart!
What a unique idea, I am glad it works for you!
I take the kids to the ocean all of the time and my sons are super fearless, well mostly the youngest one. I will have to try this technique on him. Curious if it will work!
Okay this is a really smart idea. I am trying to think of a way to use it on my girls!
I think this is such a great idea for little kids! Also a great way to help their listening skills! Love it!
Wow! This is such a great idea! What a great visual for the kids to see as they become a little more independent in the water. I never would have thought of this! Kudos to you, Mama!
I have to admit that this is indeed an awesome idea especially for boys. This is something I have to share with my sister and nieces for their little ones who love the water and think they are invisible. Thanks for the tip.
What a great idea. I am that mom though that has to go in with my kiddos. I would love to use this for my boys, would still be very useful!
This is such a great idea to keep kids from going too far out!! I have a couple of independent nieces and nephews and this trick would work great on them!!
This is a genius idea! I don’t know why I never thought of this with my son. Brilliant!
What a great idea! I’m glad you share the post every year because I hadn’t seen it before. Will have to keep this in mind when I have kiddos.