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Confidence in water

6 replies

WeeM · 22/09/2017 14:41

does anyone have any tips on how to help a 4 yr old with confidence in the water. Been at swimming lessons for a while but still refuses to jump in the pool unaided and is generally very timid and cautious. I've tried bribery but it's not working!

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EveryoneTalkAboutPopMusic · 22/09/2017 14:56

My DS used to be like this. It helped going swimming, just me and him.

WeeM · 23/09/2017 10:08

Yes I think I may need to make more of a concerted effort with that. I'm hoping that one day it just clicks but also worried she gets left behind in the baby class when all the others move on!

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FATEdestiny · 24/09/2017 16:01

The fear of jumping in comes from a fear of submersion which in turn comes from fear of getting hair/face wet.

So while continuing to 'play' at jumping in with her when the two of you go swimming, you're unlikely to crack this until you be cracked submersion. Therefore, depending on her tolerance to get her head wet, try:

  • washing her face with the pool water
  • washing her hair with the pool water
  • doing big splashes so water sprays in her face
  • you pouring water on her head from watering can. Cheer afterwards, make it a great thing to cheer about doing. Not am anxious look in sight.
  • her pouring water on her own head. Cheer afterwards. We did this to the tune of Jack and Jill ("fetch a pail of water" = fill bucket. "Tumbling after" = pour water over head)
  • blowing bubbles
  • ear in water to "listen for the fishes"
  • nose in water
  • eyes looking just under surface of the water "to look for fishes".

Then submission games:

  • ring a ring a roses "fall down" = under water and cheer.
  • hold whilst doing scooping and kicking with arms/legs on front. Forwarn during the length that you are going to go under with her and as you approach the side submerge her for a few seconds to come up at the side. Massive, huge cheers and whoops.

Repeat these every week. Those that accept submersion early are those that just do it and after a few weeks get used to it and realise it's really not that bigger deal.

I think all children react with shock to bring submerged initially. The trick is that you don't react with any negative emotions. Cheer, whoop, be proud, clap, gleeful smiles - these sorts of reaction from you as soon as it happens. Try not to show any concern or anxiety at her reaction, show an 'that's great, going under is no problem' reaction.

Also as a general point, don't shadow her in the pool. More easily done if you take a couple of children. Keep a constant eye on her, but do it from afar. Encourage independence in the pool, whereby you stay sitting on the steps and she plays on her own.

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stressedbeyond123 · 25/09/2017 13:38

My DD was like when she first started swimming lessons - we had tears and everything. All the other kids were jumping in happily, and my DD was on the side absolutely sobbing.

There was no magic cure, we just persevered and she eventually found the confidence to do it herself. We did take her swimming a LOT with us outside of the lessons, which may have helped.

She is now 6, and we can't keep her out of the water. Just give her time, lots of encouragement and eventually she will do it :) x

stressedbeyond123 · 25/09/2017 13:41

just to add - i would say it took about 8-9 months for her to jump in her by herself...it didn't happen over night. All the others were moving up in their classes, and it was heartbreaking as DD got really upset that she wasn't moving to. We didn't make a deal of it, just said "you're not quite ready yet, but when you are, you'll move classes to"

we went on holidays to France, and the camp we stayed on had 3 swimming pools - she was in the water every single day. One day she got out and just jumped in..no warning, no fanfare, nothing - just done it! we were gobsmacked and bursting with pride...she never looked back after that!

Don't give up hope x

WeeM · 01/10/2017 17:37

Thanks for the replies and sorry for delay! The odd thing is I don't think submersion is all of the problem because she dunks herself all the time during the lessons and will pick up a stick from the bottom of the pool. I think it might be a general fear of jumping as thinking about it she doesn't like jumping off steps either! I def think prolonged dunking and swimming up to edge of pool will help though. When she's on her back she also doesn't put head back so it's like she's sitting up rather than lying flat!
I think you're right though, one day she will prob just do it with no warning.

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