Imagine this: you’ve just managed to put goggles on your child, but within seconds, they yank them off and throw them to the ground. This is a scene many parents have experienced. For some children, goggles aren’t just uncomfortable—they are overwhelming. The painful strap around the head, the pressure around the eyes, and the frustrating fog that obstructs their vision all contribute to their reluctance. Surprisingly, convincing your child to wear goggles during swim sessions or lessons is a common hurdle many parents face. If you find yourself in this situation, remember, you are not alone!

The first step in addressing this issue is to truly understand what your child is feeling; once you have clarity, the next step is to seek an appropriate solution. Encourage your child to share their feelings and ask them which aspects of their goggles they dislike, as this will help you take appropriate action.

Here are several reasons why your child may be struggling with goggles:

1) The overwhelming tightness that feels like something is squishing your head together is dreadful, and it’s one of the primary reasons children dislike wearing their goggles. The uncomfortable sensation created around the eyes and head is enough to make adults rip their goggles off, so it’s unreasonable to expect children to simply ‘deal with it’.

2) Goggles steaming up is one of the most frustrating situations for a swimmer, especially when it happens repeatedly. Not only does it hinder your child’s visibility, but it can also be so distracting that it becomes difficult to stay focused during class.

3) Poor fit. There’s nothing more irritating than wearing something that you are constantly adjusting. Straps that are too loose or squish the ears, nose bridges that dig into the skin, goggles that pinch at the eyebrow or fill up with water, lenses that push the lashes into your eyes—these issues arise when your child is wearing goggles that don’t fit properly. Not only are they frustrating, but they also create a negative experience for children learning how to swim.

4) Personal image. At a public pool, older children can often be seen jumping into the water without goggles or splashing around, enjoying the freedom. To a young child, these kids become idols; they aspire to emulate their carefree spirit and appearance. This admiration might lead them to perceive goggles as accessories for ‘learners,’ similar to training wheels on a bike. Consequently, they might conclude that those who wear goggles lack swimming skills, resulting in feelings of embarrassment about wearing them and how they appear.

These are just some examples of what your child might be feeling or thinking. Whatever they are experiencing is valid, and it’s important to create an open and understanding environment for them to express themselves.

Here’s some ideas for effectively managing the situation:

1) Make your child a part of the buying process; let them take the lead and choose a pair that they like. This approach not only fosters a positive experience but also makes them more enthusiastic about wearing their goggles.

If your child felt uncomfortable wearing goggles due to the tightness of the strap, consider purchasing a pair with a wider strap or a fabric strap, as these options will provide a softer and more comfortable fit.

2) Sometimes, it’s simply a matter of getting accustomed to wearing something on the face, and practicing can help a lot. Encourage your child to wear their goggles for a few minutes during bath time; you can turn it into a game, like searching for pirate treasure underwater. This approach will make the experience enjoyable, helping them feel more comfortable in their goggles.

3) Unfortunately, goggles steaming up is a very common issue, and it’s bound to happen once in a while. The best approach is to teach your child how to manage this problem; sometimes just rinsing the goggles can help. If it’s a persistent issue, drying the inside of the goggles with a towel can be effective. Often, goggles steam up due to trapped water vapor and the temperature difference. Once water gets inside, the warmth of the skin can exacerbate the problem. This might also be a good time to consider purchasing a new pair—especially if the goggles are worn out!

4) Teach your child how to put on their goggles independently. Sometimes, the issue isn’t the fit of the goggles, but the way they are worn. For example, goggles are often placed upside down, or the straps may slip down the back of the head. Help your child understand the different parts of the goggles and their correct positioning on the head. The straps should be positioned higher up, almost aligned with the eyebrows and eyes, to help prevent water from seeping in. When goggles slide down to the ears, they become looser and more problematic.

5) Goggles are worn by individuals of all ages; they are essential not only for beginners but also for seasoned athletes. Boost your child’s self-confidence by highlighting how smart and cool they look, inspire them by sharing competition videos of professional swimmers, and point out that even the strongest swimmers wear goggles—there’s nothing to be ashamed of.

Remember, in the eyes of a child, even the tiniest problem can feel enormous and daunting. Take the time to listen to what they are saying and ensure they feel truly heard. Transform these moments into opportunities for problem-solving together, showing them that, no matter how big or small the challenge may be, you can work side by side to overcome any hurdle!