To wish that my DD didn't cling to me like a limpet every time I take her to the swimming baths?

[Idontneedanotherhero]

Obviously want her to learn to swim, but I've tried all the tips I can find and still she clings to me! Short of professional lessons (which I can't afford) - how do I gently persuade her to get at least to arms length from me?

I think your DD is very intelligent indeed, to be shouting at a stranger she perceives to be in danger. Just sayin.

We had this with the life jacket type vest on dd just over 2, ds has armbands however in the jacuzzi ds took then off and dd put them on and she is much happier in arm bands than the vest.

Will now let us just hold hands in the proper pool while ds swims back and too.

This is true!

Hi OP, I am a swim teacher and you've had some good suggestions on here.

I would just add a couple of thoughts.

Firstly, at her age persistence is key. I know it's not always possible to go once a week, but regular visits will definitely help.

Also, given her age, it's quite normal to be clingy I promise.

I would go into an adult pool if you can because that way you can hold her with less problem than in the shallow children's pools.

Start by letting her sit on the side until she's happy and comfortable. Then bring her into the water with you.

For the first couple of times gently bounce her around the pool. You can use toys and sing songs to make her feel more comfortable.

Gradually move her around more vigorously as she gets more confident and try trickling some water on her face so she can get used to it. Always tell her so she can ready herself - try to limit surprise splashes as far as possible.

Once she is happy like that you can start holding her further away from you or to the side of your body to increase her independence.

Welcome to PM me if you have any questions

Ooh thanks for that!

I religiously took my DS to baby swimming up to age 1 and then stopped because he screamed through the sessions and would then crawl off in the crowded changing rooms every week. Over the next 3 years we took him now and again but def not regularly - he was ok in the water but not overly happy tbh.

He started private swimming lessons this year just after turning 4 and he is doing brilliantly. There are a few kids his age who are great at swimming but most, including those who went regularly between 1-4 are roughly where he is.

If your DD hates being in the water I would give it a break and try again when she's 3-4. You could still take her now and again but I wouldn't make it a regular thing if she dislikes it that much - you don't want it to turn into a bigger fear.

My DS was a bit like this. Real change came when we ditched the arm bands/rings and bought a bobbin.

It's like a little life vest and worked really well at keeping him floating with his head clear out of the water.

We just kept taking him as often as possible and as he realised with his bobbin he couldn't sink he just gradually got more and more confident until he was actively doggy paddling away from us

Thanks all you've been really helpful and given me some good ideas!