From “No Way!” to “I’ve Got This!” — Helping Kids Get Comfortable With Water Over Their Face

There’s a huge difference between a child tolerating water on their head and a child choosing it. And when kids can happily get water over their face (and even dip their goggles and nose under), it often changes everyday life too — especially showers, hair washing, and rinsing shampoo.

These photos show a beautiful, step-by-step progression:

1. accepting water being poured over the head

2. doing it independently

3. putting goggles into the water

4. putting the whole face into the water

That sequence matters — because confidence isn’t something we “push through”… it’s something we build.

Why water over the face can feel so hard

For many children (especially sensory-sensitive or neurodiverse kids), water on the face can feel unpredictable and overwhelming:

• water running into eyes or up the nose

• unexpected splashes and temperature changes

• fear of not being able to breathe

• loss of control (someone else tipping water, washing hair, etc.)

When a child avoids showers or hair rinsing, it’s often not “being difficult” — it’s their nervous system saying “too much, too fast.”

The goal isn’t “face under” — it’s calm and control

In lessons, I focus on comfort + choice:

• “You’re in charge.”

• “We’ll go little by little.”

• “You can stop anytime.”

When kids feel safe and in control, they’re far more willing to explore water sensations.

The step-by-step progression that works (and why it works)

1) Accepting water over the head

We start with a small pour, predictable timing, and lots of support.

• “Ready… set… go!”

• pouring from a cup, watering can, or small bucket

• aiming for success — not surprise

What we’re building: trust + tolerance.

2) Doing it themselves

This is the magic moment: when the child chooses the pour.

• they hold the cup/bucket

• they decide when it happens

• they can repeat it (or pause)

What we’re building: independence + confidence.

3) Goggles in the water

Goggles give kids a “safe window” into the underwater world.

• goggles touch first

• then goggles under

• then a longer look

What we’re building: comfort with the sensation + curiosity.

4) Whole face in the water

This usually happens when the child is ready — not when we force it.
We often turn it into a game:

• looking for toys

• “treasure hunts” on the step

• blowing bubbles

• quick dips with a calm reset in between

What we’re building: breath control + confidence + fun.

How this helps at home (hello, easier showers!)

Once a child learns “I can handle water on my face,” shower routines often improve because:

• they understand the sensation won’t harm them

• they trust they can breathe and stay calm

• they’ve practised the skills in a fun way first

Try these shower tips:

• Let them pour water on their own head with a small cup

• Use goggles for hair rinsing if needed (it’s a great bridge!)

• Use predictable cues: “Ready… rinse… all done”

• Give choices: “front or back first?” “little pour or big pour?”

• Practise bubble blowing in the bath to reduce nose/water worries

• Celebrate tiny wins (even “water touched cheeks” is progress)

What to say to build confidence (simple phrases that help)

• “You’re in charge.”

• “We can do one drop, or we can do a cup — you choose.”

• “Let’s practise and then we stop.”

• “That was brave!”

• “Your body is learning something new.”