7 Tips To Help Your Child Get Over Their Fear Of Swimming And Enjoy The Pool!

This year, during summer vacations we took the leap and have enrolled him in swim lessons again and am happy to see he is in the pool and trying to get over his fear. So how did we do it?
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For me, swimming is an essential life skill that can be compared to cycling. It is something everyone must learn, because you never know when it will come in handy. I love taking a dip in the pool and couldn’t wait to teach my son. I dreamed of all the beach and resort vacations we would take where we could spend hours in the water!

But two years ago when I took him for his first lesson, he took one look at the water, he howled and screamed and refused to even wet his toes. Needless to say, this fear has continued every time we take him swimming. This year, during summer vacations we took the leap and have enrolled him in swim lessons again and am happy to see he is in the pool and trying to get over his fear. So how did we do it?

Here are 7 tried and tested tips to help your child get over their fear of swimming and enjoy lessons. 

 1. Fear or no fear- take them along with you:

Image source: completehealthnews.com

Your child may not want to come into the pool and that’s fine. They can come along and simply watch you swim. When they see you have a good time in the pool they will slowly see there is nothing to be afraid of.

2. Baby steps-the key: 

Image source: babycenter

You may have learnt to swim by just being thrown into the water, but be patient with your child and let him/her take baby steps. First, let them watch you swim, then let them touch the water and dip their toes. Let them come into the pool when they are ready to. There is no point in rushing this process.

3. Create a fun atmosphere: 

Image source: babble.com

Once they are ready for swim lessons, make sure to involve them in the process. Ask them the time that suits their play schedule. Maybe take them to buy their swimming costume and floats.

4.Make it all fun and games:

Image source: funpoolgames.com

Forget swimming. Get water pistols, a beach ball and some other toys and let your child just play in the shallow end of the pool with the toys. Being in the water for a while and playing will create positive associations and boost confidence.

5.Involve a friend:

Image source: themaritime.ie

One thing that really worked for me this year was making sure my son went to swimming lessons with his best friend. That way it is like playtime in the pool, they indulge in some healthy competition, they splash each other and it is more fun than learning. With all this fun, there is no place for fear!

6.It’s all in the face:

Image source: swim-class.com

For a lot of kids, getting their face wet is something they dislike. Address that and see how you can make it better. Maybe invest in a pair of goggles. Try wetting a sponge in water and touching their face with it. Take turns to do it and make it a game. They will see that the water doesn’t bite!

7. Don’t expect Olympic level swimming:

Image source: chicagobluedolphins.com   

My goal for this year’s swimming lessons is very low. If he can stay in the pool, splash and maybe float, I’m happy. Backstroke, butterfly stroke and diving can come later, much later.

Share your experiences of introducing your kids to the water, with us in the comments below! And makes sure, you spread the word and help fellow mommies!

Image source: getitforless.com

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