Swimming lessons, different levels

[toomuchtooold]

My twin girls are nearly 6 and have been doing swimming lessons for a year. We're abroad so I don't know what the British equivalent is but they've done up to the point of being able to swim 25m front crawl and 10m backstroke, so they're not at all bad.

DD1 has been pulling ahead of DD2 but until now they've been able to stay in the same class. DD2 is quite able in the water but she was scared of putting her head/face in the water and it's slowing her down. Swimming teacher has said that at the next session DD1 would have to progress to the next class while DD2 would stay with her, a
or alternatively I could take DD1 out of lessons for the next session (10 weeks) and let DD2 catch up.

Problem is, neither of them is mad keen on swimming lessons at this point. They were really enjoying it at the start but since they've learned to swim they're not as excited about learning more swimming, and I've managed to jolly them along so far but if they're split up I think they'll mutiny If I take DD1 out of lessons she'll be really gutted not to be swimming while DD2 is in, so I could take her swimming, but then DD2 will be put out that DD1 gets to piss about and go on the flume with me while she's stuck practising her front crawl. I was thinking instead to maybe take them both out and let them rejoin lessons maybe after the summer or something. Anyone got any thoughts?

[dancemom]

If you particularly want them to stay together just tell the Swimming provider you want twin 1 to repeat the block while twin 2 catches up?

[Theresomethingaboutdairy]

Let dt1 go to the next class. They are individuals and at some point need to be treated as such. This sort of thing will happen more regularly as they get older and, assuming no SN, there will be things that dt2 is better at and vice versa so it will even out in the long run. There is also an element of healthy competition so if dt2 sees dt1 in the more advanced class she may well start putting her face in the water.

[HandMini]

Is DD2 still “scared of putting her head/face in the water”. If so, I would definitely continue the lessons for her until that’s no longer the case.

Do whatever suits with DD1.

[minniebear]

As a swimming teacher I’d say this is pretty common-I teach a set of twins where the stronger sibling is two classes ahead (because he listens and is able to correct his stroke and she struggles to focus and doesn’t have the same control over her body). Swimming’s worth persevering with, especially as they’re only six-maybe the twin who moves up will enjoy classes with the next teacher a little more.

[TalkinBoutWhat]

Or you could consider an individual instructor to teach the girls at one time, so a 1:2 ratio. Each girl will continue to get pushed to her capability. A 1:2 lesson is often only a little more than a class lesson price wise.

[neversleepagain]

My girls are 5.5 and one is also a stronger swimmer than the other. To save having to go to the pool twice a week I paid for a private lesson. It costs more but really worth it as they get individual attention for a whole 30 minutes. Their instuctor tailers each set to their abilities.

[toomuchtooold]

Thanks for your advice, all. (Neversleepagain I think I remember you from the early days - you had a different sleep-related name and one of your girls is lactose intolerant?)

I chatted to them over the last couple of days and DD1 is fine with going up into a new class alone and DD2 is... resigned to it, if she also gets to do ballet I'll need to see what we get in terms of class times - it's a small swimming school and the only one in the area but they're switching from 5 days a week to 3 so we might get times in the same day at least. Otherwise I will look into private teaching - their teacher does do private lessons, one of their friends does private right now. I imagine it'll be horrifically expensive, as it's Switzerland, but everything in Switzerland is expensive...

[Taytotots]

My DT (5) will be going into separate classes this term. My girl can swim confidently but my boy has always been more nervous of the water and also much more likely to mess about in lessons - their first non-parent class he failed as he wouldn't do anything the teacher said. It's feasible as the lessons will only be 1/4 hour apart and I think it will be good for them. I do try and make sure not to compare them and have just explained to DS you can't pass if you don't do all the things on the list and he will be able to move up when he's done them. Good luck!

[feesh]

My 5 year old twins are in separate classes, but thankfully they run consecutively and they each have a play in the water while the other’s class is happening. It’s more annoying for me than them as I have to sit there for an hour instead of 30 minutes!