Swimming Lesson Set Back for Three Year Old

Updated on October 24, 2008
L.F. asks from Spirit Lake, IA
6 answers

My son started taking swimming lessons a month ago. He is three years old and has completed one sesson. During that session he did "ok" for his first time in the water without mom or dad there. He didn't pass on to the next level and I am glad he didn't so he can get more experience at being in the water. My dilemma is that since he has started the second session he has decided that he doesn't want to go under the water and as soon as the instructor mentiones that they will all be trying a skill that involves going under the water he starts whimpering to the instructor that he doesn't want to do it, or if the skill involves a jump into the pool he only wants to do a little jump, and he will debate it with the instructor to the point that he ends up not doing the skill. Does anyone have any ideas on how I can help him get past this fear? I don't want to force him to do anything that might scare him into not wanting to even go near the pool but if anyone has any tips that might have worked for them I would appreciate hearing about it. Thanks for your help.

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.S.

answers from Des Moines on

My son did the same thing but it continued from 2 years of age until 4. I started him at 18 months in the water with me and he loved it. The next session he didn't want to go and kicked and screamed. This lasted for a few years. I tried several different sessions after that. Last summer he broke down and screamed and didn't want to go into the pool. He kept on "swimming" in the wading pool just fine on his own but didn't want to take the lessons. A few weeks after this he got in the big pool all by himself and since then we can't keep him out. This summer he did so well and now he is a little fish. I say just keep on trying but don't push it. The harder you push the more resistant he will be and possibly even more scared. As long as he still likes the water it will only take some time before he wants to go in full blast. I let my son get in the water when he was ready and this might help your son as well. Good luck!!

L.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.F.

answers from Minneapolis on

Both my son and daughter went through this too. We just practiced when we were in the bath tub dunking our faces in a little. Sometimes just splashing around in the tub to get used to getting the face wet too. They seemed to feel safer there. My son also got over his fear more when we bought him goggles (even though he is only 2 1/2). That is pretty young but he really doesn't like getting the water in his eyes.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.P.

answers from Minneapolis on

This sounds pretty normal for me - especially for a 3 year old. 3 year olds are starting to really understand that they can be hurt and tend to develop new fears, even of things they've done many times before. I think his fear is a healthy developmental thing - think of it in terms of that you know he is more aware of the world and his place in it!

Definitely don't push it but don't give up, either! If it's possible, can you switch to a class that doesn't involve putting his head underwater, like a lower level? Or, can you go back to parent-in-the-water classes for a little while? By continuing swimming lessons, your son will get used to the water (again) but you don't want him to feel fear. Instead, by dropping back a level, your son will have the chance to build his confidence in the water.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.F.

answers from Madison on

Do they have open swim times at your swim school that you can take him to? The more he is in the water the more comfortable he will become. If you can go swimming maybe once a week between lessons this should help his comfort level. You don't have to try to get him under water, just go and have fun and then when he is more comfortable he may be more willing to try new skills.

K.B.

answers from Milwaukee on

I use to teach swimming lessons and from what I noticed is that having the head under water is normal for kids under age 4 (even 5). Some kids are not bothered putting their heads under water while others are... he will out grow it at some point. It is scary because he might get the sense of drowning when the water rushes over him even though he is perfectly safe. The more he is in the water the more comfortable he will be with swimming/head going under water. If you have the time go to open swim and just have fun with him in the water so the fear will subside, may take awhile so be patient and don't force him to do something he is not comfortable with.

If possible switch to a 'simpler' class, where they don't put the head under the water or you are back in the water with him. It seems he just needs more time to become confident in himself around water. That will come just keep swimming.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.K.

answers from Minneapolis on

It doesn't sound like he's ready for, or enjoying, the swimming lessons right now. Why not find another activity he can do now, and try again in a year or so?

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions

Related Searches