Shake, Wipe, Smile: The Secret to Happy Face-Wetting for Kids
If you’ve ever seen your child recoil at a single splash on their face, you’re not alone! Getting comfortable with water on the face is one of the biggest hurdles for new swimmers — and one of the most important early skills for lifelong water safety.
At Lake Anna Swim Company, we turn face-wetting into fun, confidence-building play. Here’s how you can help at home:
1. Make it a Game, Not a Goal
Instead of saying “Let’s get your face wet,” try playful challenges like “Can you catch the waterfall?” (pour water from a cup) or “Let’s wash the mermaid!” (pretend play in the tub). When it’s part of imagination, kids relax — and progress faster.
2. Use the ‘Shake, Wipe, Smile’ Routine
Our go-to trick!
👉 Shake your head side to side like a puppy.
👉 Wipe your face gently with your hands.
👉 Smile big to show it wasn’t scary!
This simple routine helps little ones reset after splashes so they don’t associate water with panic.
3. Model Calm and Confidence
Children mirror your reaction. If a splash surprises them and you laugh it off, they’ll follow your lead. Avoid gasping or rushing to dry their face. Instead, calmly say, “Oops! That was silly — shake, wipe, smile!”
4. Practice in Everyday Moments
You don’t need a pool! Try gentle trickles from a rinse cup in the bathtub, sprinklers in the yard, or even rain play. Regular, low-pressure exposure builds familiarity and trust with water.
5. Celebrate Small Wins
The first splash without tears deserves a high-five! The first big bubble blow? That’s celebration-worthy too. Positive reinforcement keeps kids excited and curious instead of cautious.
💦 Remember: Happy face-wetting isn’t about “toughening up” — it’s about teaching the body and brain that water is safe, fun, and something they can handle.
✨ Next Step: Practice “Shake, Wipe, Smile” at bath time, and you’ll see huge confidence leaps at their next lesson!
✨ Written by Miss Jenn, your Swim Lady 💦🏊♀️ — see you at the pool!
