What if my baby or toddler doesn’t like swimming lessons?

Parents often come to the first swimming lessons telling me that their child loves the water, and that this should be a breeze! Then, five minutes later when we are getting ready to begin, the tears flow and crying ensues. Screaming, crying, throwing a fit – I’ve seen it all! Rest assured, if your child is crying during the first couple of lessons, this behavior is completely normal.

In fact, I was the same exact way. I would cry the night before, the morning of, and right before my lessons. It’s a wonder my parents made it through that stage! My parents always joke about my beginnings in the water, and the irony they haven’t been able to get me out since – almost 22 years later!

For some kids, the feeling of being in a completely new environment, trying something new, and being away from their parents is too much newness at one time. And that is totally understandable! I do have good news for all of your parents out there who are dealing with this issue – it will stop after about four or five lessons.

It is worth being said, though, that each child develops water confidence at their own rate. That being said, if your child is still crying after quite a few lessons, we have some tips and tricks you can try to make the lessons a more pleasant experience for your child, the instructor, and yourself.

Some Tips if Your Baby Cries during Swim Lessons

Don’t be too present in the lessons. If your pool has an observation room, go there and watch from afar. Staying with your child during the lesson will hinder their experience, and by staying out of sight, you are teaching your child to trust the instructor more.

• Positive Reinforcement. Sometimes, this is all it takes! As your child gets more comfortable in the water, they will gain more independence, and the reinforcement will no longer be necessary.
• Offer support and encouragement. This sounds obvious, but it is crucial to let your child know that they are doing a good job! Sometimes, all they need is the validation that they are doing it right and that you are impressed by their skills. It may also help to explain the benefits of the swimming and water safety skills they are learning. Don’t make it sound too serious, but explain to them that they are learning skills that they will use for the rest of their life.
• Practice swimming skills at home if possible. If you have a home pool, or even a bathtub for those youngsters, try practicing some of the skills if you are able. Tell your child that you want to play a game with them to try to surprise the instructor with how much they’ve improved since the last lessons. Your child will be so focused on improving their skills that they will forget about their discomfort or lack of confidence in the water. They will get better without even realizing it!

Of course, while mentioning ideas of what to do, we should also mention some ideas of what not to do.

• Don’t discontinue lessons. As mentioned above, most children stop their tears after four or five lessons, but not every child! Give your child some time to get used to the new environment and the new skills they are learning. Each child improves and learns at a different speed, so it is important to be patient with your child and the instructor.
• Don’t let your frustrations show. It can be easy to get frustrated if your child is having a difficult time adapting to swimming lessons. However, it is important to not let those frustrations show to your child and to continue to give them positive support and encouragement. If your child can sense that you are frustrated, that might make the situation worse and the tears might continue.
• Don’t bribe your child. There is a difference between positive reinforcement and bribing your child for attending swimming lessons. Bribery has a negative connotation, and will not produce good results in the long run.

Swimming lessons can be a big step for your child, and the transition for some may be much easier than for others. It is important to be patient with your child, and to encourage them that they are doing a good job, no matter how long the process is taking. It can be hard to see the benefits of swimming lessons if your child is having a hard time, but they are still improving with each lesson!

At Sunsational Swim School, our private swimming instructors have experience teaching children as young as infants all the way through adults. We have seen it all, from tears and fear of the water, to those who can’t wait to dive in. Book your lessons at your home or community pool today to give your child the gift of swimming – you won’t regret it!

Olivia Darr’s bio:

Swim Instructor in Columbia, SC

Hi! My name is Olivia and I've been teaching swimming lessons for over two years now. I've worked with children for a number of years. My experience includes: Boys & Girls Club, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and the swim team I coach for. I just graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in August 2018 with a degree in communications and marketing. I love teaching swimming because I love helping kids become comfortable in the water and helping them become more confident!