Mumsnet Talk

My 4yo started school in Sept and was moved up to Stage 2 in his swimming lessons with a new teacher.

I was called over after his lesson yesterday as the teacher as she was a bit exasperated about his lack of co-operation and general zoning out. basically he won't kick his legs - or won't do as she asks to improve his kick. He does find using a float and kicking on his front hard. And I don't think its all lack of co-operation, but half is not really fully getting what he's meant to do.

I tried to find an earlier class (its at 5:30pm - not ideal at all, but only one that can also fit in my other DC with his teacher), but there isn't anything. I will also go at the weekend to 'work' on his kicking. But I wonder whether I should be ditching the lessons/trying again in a few terms, or trying to find a different teacher (nothing wrong with her, but maybe they just don't gel well), smaller class sizes (8 in his class)??

I think 5.30pm us too late for a 4 year old. Mine would have benn too tired at that age. Ds started swimming lessons which started at 5.00pm when he was 7 and that was late enough.

Saying that dd coped with ballet starting at that time but again she was around 7.

I'd stop and try again in a year. 4 is very little and he's probably exhausted and confused.

DSS2 is four and could not handle a swimming lesson so late. Sometimes he struggles with his knife and fork skills on school nights he's so tired (has absolutely no problems at lunch/weekends).

I'd also say by 5.30 he's probably more ready for a sleep than a swim. The school day is so wearing for them at that age. My dc do have a swimming lesson at 5.30 on a weekday eve so I feel your pain- mine are 7&9 and can cope, I still think my 7yo is doing well as she's quite tired by then.
Also as a swimming teacher I'd say there's not a mass of difference to their learning (as opposed to our own peace of mind for their safety) if they learn at 6 rather than 4. If hrs knackered leave it til Summer or next sept IMHO

Would a Saturday morning swimming lesson be an option? That's what I did when DS was in Reception, as I didn't think he'd cope with an evening one, as swimming is so physical.

He's awfully little. I tended not to put mine into lessons until well after 5th birthday because they weren't reliable until at least that age.