What To Do If Your Child Cries During Lessons

Okay, it is the first day of your child swim lessons. Your child is standing poolside in tears. You may be wondering, what makes my child so afraid that they feel the need to behave this way, and what is the best way to handle it? There are many factors leading up to why your child is crying and various ways to center and help your child overcome whatever is reducing them to tears.

In my several years as a swim teacher, I’ve identified the common triggers for this reaction are separation anxiety, fear of new people ,and fear of new experiences. These attitudes are all a very normal part of child development. Here are a few ways to help your child overcome them when it comes to swimming lessons.

Handling Fear of New Experiences

A good way to start easing your child’s fears is to prepare them beforehand. Consider visiting the pool where your child’s lessons will be and possibly introducing your child to their swim teacher over the phone, before meeting them in person. If you’re planning to take lessons at a swim school, let your child observe the other children with their instructors and explain this is what she/he will be doing. If you’re having private, at-home lessons, watch a swimming lesson video on YouTube with your child and try to get them excited about it. A visual aid may be just the ticket to get them ready and willing to learn.

Handling Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety is very common in young children. However, though perhaps counter-intuitive, the old saying rings true: “out of sight, out of mind.” Your child will be able to focus their attention on their instructor if they’re unable to see you, and are less likely to cry for your help.

If your child won't participate without you, stay close to the pool in their line of vision. Feel free to offer encouragement to your child when positive behavior is exhibited. As lessons progress, you can move a little farther away from the pool until you they’re comfortable being on their own with their teacher.

Swimming Should be a Positive Experience

Swimming can and should be a positive experience for all children who are going to experience it for the first time. This will become a long term activity of enjoyment and children will have lifelong skills that can never be taken away. Your child can and will overcome their fears with proper instruction and time, and you can watch them blossom into a competent and confident swimmer.

About the Author: Suzanne Alcock
Suzanne Alcock is a swim instructor of several years and extremely proud mother of an accomplished 11 year old autistic swimmer.