Swimming phobia..

[mummysbigsmiles]

I have a big phobia of swimming baths! The thought of people peeing &dead skin cells floating about just turns my stomach! My daughter is 1 year old and my dad wants to take her to our local swimming baths.... I really don't want her To go but I'm worried also that I'm depriving her of this? I wanted to know everyone's opinion??

I'm sorry you find swimming baths difficult, that must be horrible for you. I don't like swimming baths either but because of a fear of water. I wasn't taught to swim or taken to a baths when I was younger and I really wish I had been. It would be a shame if your DD misses out on something which all the other kids will enjoy.

I know it's easy to say, but realistically she will suffer more socially if she can't swim or go in the baths than from drinking pee and dead cells which although disgusting won't actually hurt her. The level or chlorine is so high in swimming pools everything is killed off.

Why don't you let your dad take her then go and do something indulgent you never get to do while they are there?

I'm sorry about your phobia but imho it would be very wrong to stop your dd doing something that will become an important life skill.

Your phobia is irrational and I'm sure you know that. Doesn't stop it being real and horrible for you but you don't need to go near the pool. Would you consider hypnotherapy to help you deal with it?

Let them go. They'll have a great time.

I have to agree - the very smell of swimming pool chlorine makes me want to be sick. Happily, husband took son swimming! On the rare occassions I went to watch I would smile and wave, and come away with nail marks in the palms of my hand where I had clenched my hand! Let them go - you can get through it!

I think it's great that your dad wants to take her. It's not vital so young, but if they get in the habit now, hopefully he can take her to proper swimming lessons in a few years time so that you don't have to do it - swimming really is a life skill.

You shouldn't stop other trusted adults taking her swimming though I understand you can't do so. I think you need to let others take her. Apart from the fun and enjoyment she will miss out on otherwise swimming is an essential skill she needs to learn.

You need to let him take her (so long as you are happy with his ability to do that),and you need to be positive and upbeat about it. You know this.

Do you swim yourself?

Do you wild swim?

Thankyou for all your kind messages I can't swim but it has never been an issue at all. I will allow him to take her. I would hate to stop her from having a possible future skill. Thanks guys!!!

Fantastic mummy.

Do you think that (separately from your DD) you could perhaps go to the pool and watch from the viewing gallery?

Wouldn't it be lovely if you could build up to being able to watch her ,eventually?

Little steps.....

@verysmallsqueaks i think I could watch I just couldn't go into the water I don't think..... I'm excited to get her a little swimming costume now! hehe

Maybe one day in the sea though? :)

I don't know where you live, but maybe you could try looking at a school like aquababies. They swim in lovely pools, you could get in with DC and maybe do it together. You don't have to actually swim, just be in the water. It might be good for both of you.

Soooo -you go and watch, when you feel sure you can present positive vibes.Then you go with your dad and no dd, and just sit on the waters edge-then you dangle your feet in-get the picture?
One day you will book adult beginner lessons.Maybe not this month.Maybe not even this year.But sometime on your time scale.

I think you can do this.Believe in yourself xx