What Should I Do If My Child Cries and Is Afraid at the Pool.

It can be hard to know what to do when your child cries during lessons. A certain amount of crying is ok from time to time and is to be expected from most beginners. The crying can be a natural expression of a new experience in the water and/or separation from you. We actively work with your child to reassure him or her and ease your child’s discomfort.

What Can You Do As A Parent To Help Deter The Crying?

1. Try to be proactive and prepare your child for this new experience.

Explain to your child that he/she will be working with a teacher and meeting new friends while learning how to swim.

Explain to your child he/she will learn how to play new games, blow bubbles and float in the water. Assure your child that the teacher will NEVER force him/her to go under water or let go until he/she is fully ready.

2. Acknowledge that you understand that he/she is afraid

If your child is fussing prior to swim lessons, acknowledge that you understand that he/she is afraid. Then tell your child that you know that he/she can do the things that the teacher will be asking him/her to try. By handing your child over to the teacher you are telling your child that you and they can trust the teacher. That vote of confidence will greatly help the teacher as well.

3. If your crying child continually looks at you and calls to you, break eye contact or move out of their line of sight.

By breaking eye contact with your child during lessons, your child will become involved in his/her lesson and the instructor will have his/her full attention.

Feel free to take a peek at your child without him/her noticing. Keeping a pleasant expression assures your child there is no reason for alarm.

4. Be open with your child’s swimming instructor.

Be sure to share with the instructor if your child has had previous negative experiences in an aquatic environment.

5. Be persistent and don’t give up!

Crying is usually the toughest on the parent. After the first few lessons children usually become comfortable in the class. As a parent you need to have the courage and confidence to make learning to swim an important priority.

How long is too long for your child to cry in swim lessons

On average, most children have stopped crying after the third or fourth lesson. At the very least you should notice that the crying is less with each lesson. If not chat with the manager to arrange other options.