Should I stop swimming lessons because my child is crying and afraid of the water?

Your little fish probably cried on the first day of school. Didn’t he go back to class the next day? Maybe he’ll drink a little cup… It’s part of the learning process. When you fall on a bike, you get back in the saddle!

Spoiler: it is by returning to the pool every week that your child will no longer be afraid of water!

Of course your child may be scared the first time around, and that’s totally normal! Water is an element that can be anxiety-provoking. But that’s no reason to stop everything. Even if it is complicated at the beginning, the important thing is to persevere and to continue the efforts. Small steps by small steps, each at their own pace! This is our motto.

Fear of water: here are 5 tips for not giving up

1. Send positive waves

Your little one will wriggle for the first time in a new environment with all that includes apprehension (for you 2!) And we know that children are sponges. So if you’re stressed, so are they! But stress is the enemy of learning. Encourage him, explain to him how the course will unfold, mentioning his super coach and all his boyfriends. Show yourself playful during the handover with the coach and play down in case of crying. Coaches have more than one trick in their hat to calm a child.

2. Be patient, the fear of water cannot be tamed overnight.

Give your child time to form a unique relationship with water, but also a relationship of trust with the coach who accompanies him. Indeed, it is sometimes necessary to wait 1 month for your little fish to cease any spirit of resistance when it is necessary to go to the swimming pool. But when it is launched, it’s gone! Congratulate him, whether he’s been in the whole water or just wanted to sit on the edge to watch and soak a toe. Every step counts.

3. Give a goal to motivate him

And even if it’s not his favorite sport, let him know that learning to swim is like learning to read, write and count. It is essential to grow up and be able to enjoy the water on vacation in complete safety. Describe the activities that he will be able to do on his own one day (under your constant and unconditional supervision of course). To motivate him further, you could sponsor a class friend and enroll them both together. And if it’s the little neighbor or the little neighbor on the opposite landing, then you will definitely increase your motivation!

4. Reward his efforts

“Mom, I put my head under water!”Victory! After only 1 month, does your little fish finally take a shower and wash their hair without having a tearful fit? He put his head under water with his favorite coach? Surely it’s time to reward him with the little gift he’s been asking for for weeks. The carrot works! Well-dosed and well-delivered, a reward is an opportunity to take stock of the skills acquired and to realize that in life, efforts pay off.

Fear of water: why is it so important to start young?

Because it is by starting early, from 3 years old, that any blockage construction is avoided. It is also by accustoming children to this same age, and by taking them regularly to classes, that apprehension can be effectively combated. This type of test is also part of the school of life and teaches perseverance!

Using active pedagogy with the coach in the water, our ambition is to make your child independent and safe in the water. And one day, I promise, your little fish will swim in happiness!