What to do if child hates swimming lessons?

ECT2012

We started taking Mommy and Me swim "lessons" about 2 months ago. Mostly it's just getting them used to the water, a little work on blowing bubbles, kicking legs, etc.

We were surprised to find that J did NOT like them. She loves the bath, loves to walk around in the shallow end of the pool, but I guess is either scared of the rest of the water or just wants to be walking around.

Although things have gotten better since the first week of class, my husband is ready to call it quits and wait until she's older. I keep thinking that the more she's in the water, the more she'll get used to it.

Any thoughts - would you continue to attempt these lessons, in hopes that the routine of it will help them learn and be comfortable, or pull out of the lessons for a year or two?

Thanks!

aeh72

We had the same experience with DS.  He took lessons when he was around 14 months old and he hated it! By the last lesson, he wasn't crying and clinging to me but he still was really not happy being there.   I think there was just too much going on around him (people splashing, it was loud, his little legs dangling in the water) - almost like he had sensory overload.  So, we've taken him to the pool a couple times  since and he likes the baby pool but is still not crazy about the big pool.  We'll probably try lessons again next Spring but I'm not going to push it with continued lessons waiting for him to like it. At some point, I'm sure he will.  

ETA - how many more sessions in your class?  DS did get gradually better so, even though he never really liked it, I'm glad we didn't quit.  But, we only had 4 sessions so it wasn't like he was "tortured" for months and months by having to go to swim class. 

bruinjamie21

Same thing happened to my son. We did swim classes right around his 1st birthday and he HATED them. Cried all 4 weeks, and he's not a crier! But he wasn't a big fan of the pool before then either. Or now. I just took the hint and pulled back, and will give the pool another go in a few months. Didn't want to push it. Especially since now he hates his bath too! 

mamaHippo23

My mom didn't start taking us to swim lessons until we were 3 and 4. I think if your LO genuinely hates the lessons, I would take a break and try again later. For now, keep taking him to the pool regularly and do some of the exercises on your own. You and your DH can continue working with him on the basics like breathing, arm and leg movements, and floating. No reason to push it yet, just let him do whatever he's comfortable with.

mamaHippo23

Oops, sorry! Just realized I said "he" and your LO is a girl. My bad.

 

dufferoo

I think of any kind of lessons at this age as "just for fun," so if your baby's not having fun, I wouldn't bother continuing. You might even be able to get a partial refund or credit if you explain to the facility why you are dropping out.

allardr

I agree they should be fun so maybe call it quits. Possibly is there a different class you could try. Ours is small like 5 kids and the pool area is quiet so it's not overload at all for her.