“My Child Cries During Swim Lessons-What Do I Do?”

Understand that there is a whole host of reasons as to why a child might cry during their swim class:

separation anxiety, fear of water, too many unknowns, it’s too loud, fear of strangers, bad prior experiences with water or swimming, or even things as simple as being tired, hungry, or having a bad mood day…and that list barely scratches the surface.

🔷 Different kids have different needs ~ behavior is communication🔷

Let’s talk about what we can do about it:

☀️ Do some work ahead of time-make swim lessons a point of conversation long before meeting the instructor to get in the pool. Address fears and answer questions.

☀️ Figure out what helps your child relax-do whatever you need to do to help your child relax and be comfortable. You know your child, if they work better with a parent close by or is it more effective for a parent to stay out of sight and out of mind.

☀️ Understand what motivates your child and play to that-positive words of affirmation, music and singing, or saving a special treat for after swim lessons.

☀️ Consider your response-if you allow your anxiety, frustration, impatience, or anger to show, your child will pick up on it. Remain positive and encourage your child’s learning process.

☀️ Practice at home-use bath time to practice back floats, putting his/her face in the water, blow bubbles, etc.

☀️ Stick with it- For many kids, learning to swim is hard! Use a tailored approach to help him/her relax, chances are, you’ll succeed. And so will your child.