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Toddlers: 12 - 24 Months
ECT2012
member
What to do if child hates swimming lessons?
ECT2012
member
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!
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!
This discussion has been closed.
Re: What to do if child hates swimming lessons?
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.
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.
Oops, sorry! Just realized I said "he" and your LO is a girl. My bad.