Learning to swim can be intimidating for kids. They’re stepping into the unknown, and the water can feel overwhelming. But one swim instructor has found a heartwarming way to help little swimmers push through their fears.
Tyler Reed, owner of Triton Aquatic Training in Tampa, Florida, recently went viral for his unique approach: the “mermaid mantra.”
The mantra is simple but powerful: “I’m big. I’m brave. I’m beautiful.”
In a TikTok video, Reed encourages a nervous young student to repeat the words. Through sniffles and tears, she manages to say, “I’m beeg. I’m bave. I’m boobooball.”
https://www.tiktok.com/@tritonaquatictraining/video/7236406587529760042
That last part? Absolute cuteness overload.
The video quickly gained traction online, with viewers praising the little girl’s courage.
“It’s so scary as a little person to learn these things, but I’m sure she’s doing great,” one person wrote.
Another admitted, “‘I’m boobooful’ is where I lost it. Someone get me a tissue.”
And guess what? The mantra worked. In a follow-up video, the same student is back in the water—this time swimming with confidence and chanting the mantra as a victory song.
Of course, “boobooball” remains just as adorable.
For Reed, this affirmation isn’t just about swimming—it’s about empowerment.
“A lot of people see toddlers and babies as incapable of saving themselves in water. I’m trying to erase that mindset. They really can do this,” he told Good Morning America.
He also emphasized the dangers of over-relying on floaties, which can create a false sense of security. That’s why he advocates for early swim lessons and teaching kids to trust their abilities.
This approach applies far beyond the pool. Encouraging kids to push past their fears, rather than shielding them from every challenge, helps them build confidence that lasts a lifetime. And as Reed beautifully demonstrated, it doesn’t have to be harsh—it can be as gentle as a few encouraging words.
“When we say our mermaid mantras out loud, we can do anything!”