Swimming Tips

[roseyposeysmum]

Hi

My 3 1/2 year old has been on the waiting list for swimming lessons for a while and we are joining a class this Saturday, bit short notice but i can't wait for her to get going. Problem is - she is not keen on swimming, she will play all day in water up to her ankles and a bit further but as soon as it comes time to dip in the water WW3 kicks off.

I know i have to bite the bullet and get her swimming, i couldn't swim until i was 19 and hated it. They have said that parents are not allowed in the pool which i think will work in my favour as she can't cling to me and i know if she starts i will be soft.

Does anybody have any tips to make it exciting for her and build it up a bit before Saturday, i thought going shopping for a new costume etc.

And how do i not crumble when she turns on the water works on Saturday ?

A new swimming costume. Some colourful goggles, perhaps? And I think it helps if you emphasise that all the other children will be there for her to have fun with, and will all be learning together. Peer pressure is very influential at that age! Does she know any of the other children?

Do you know any children who love swimming? could she go with them beforehand?

As the parent of a 3yo who hated all water and thru swimming lessons now adores being in water I've found it just a slow process aided by bundles of enthusiasm, lots of "aren't you a big girl/boy" oh and although its controversial we found goggles a lifesaver as the water irritated his eyes (introduce them at bath time).

It might help to encourage face wetting and bubble blowing at bath time too.

second the goggles idea - practice with them in the bath/shower.

As for you - do you have a dh who could take her

Goggles! DS (4) hated swimming and would wrap his arms and legs around me the whole time we were in the pool for months until I got him some goggles. Next trip to the pool, and every trip since, he flings him self around in the water, goes under water, tries to float...The difference in him is incredible! We're currently on the wait list for lessons too -looking like after Christmas now though .

thank you thank you thank you x

Goggles it is ! I only found out today that she was starting so haven't got much time to get her ready. But will be letting her choose a swimming costume and some goggles.

it is just me and her :) so i will have to grin and bear it and hope that she isn't too traumatised.

Can you also treat her to tea or lunch out somewhere to celebrate "how big she is/well she's done etc".

If its anything like our lessons they will get badges every so often - and not just for lengths but for skills etc. So perhaps mention to her and chat about whether sh'ed like to put them on a towel/blanket/bag etc.

I know she's probably a bit young now but there is a peppa pig book and episode about going swimming too.

I think the best this is to be patient. The teacher will have seen it before and you might find she reacts better to the teacher than you - I know that's the case for pretty much every time DS has a teacher for anything - he behaves far better for them than for me!