Should You Take Your Crying Child Out of Swim Lessons?

BySteps2Swim

No parent wants their child to be upset during swim lessons, and it’s heartbreaking to hear them cry. Many parents think this means their child isn’t ready and withdraw them from lessons. But is this the right solution?

No, I don’t believe taking a crying child out of swim lessons is the answer. Sure, there will be some tears in lessons—that’s normal for little kids who are still learning about their emotions. However, when there are constant fearful tears, it might be time to try something else.

The longer you wait to get them acclimated to the water, the harder it becomes. Quitting swim lessons isn’t the solution—it just makes it tougher later. Instead, try these tips:

  1. Speak positively about swim lessons at home. Explain what will happen. The more prepared they are, the less likely they’ll be fearful.
  2. Practice comfort with water on their face. Have your little one practice in the bathtub using a cup to pour water over their face.
  3. Practice floating and comfort with water in their ears at home. Have them lay back in the bathtub.
  4. Swim as a family, with no pressure to try anything new. Just enjoy spending time in and around the water.

Give your child time to adjust, but if they’re still scared or crying after weeks of lessons, try these additional tips:

  1. Switch the time of lessons. Avoid nap time, meal times, or times too close to bedtime. A cranky kid isn’t going to have fun in lessons.
  2. Sign up for classes with a different instructor. Sometimes a different personality or teaching style can make a world of difference. (And if your child needs a very different teaching style, you might need to switch swim schools.)
  3. Try a different format of lessons. If your child is struggling in group lessons, try a private lesson or vice versa.

While the learn-to-swim journey may seem daunting for a frightened little swimmer, keep going. The longer you wait to help your child acclimate to water, the worse it will be. Stick with it, and soon they will learn how fun swimming can be.

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