DS1 and swimming lessons. putting this here but it should probably be in Education

[saltire]

DS1 year are going for swimming lessons. he is like me, scared of water, although he's not quite as bad as I am. He got really upset during the holidays and said he didn't want to go - he didn't even bring the form back, hoping that if we didn't fill it in he wouldn't could go. I spoke at length with histeacher about DS1s fears, the fact he is a bit scared, can't swim etc. teacher was very good, said they would be grouped according to ability, and that the non-swimmers would be allocated 1 instructor for each 2 children, that he and the other teacher would be there as well, in the water etc.
however, DS1 is now upstairs crying saying he doesn't want to go and he's scared etc. The first lesson is tomorrow!

What a dilemma! I think it's sooo important for all children to learn to swim, however I feel for your DS.

Swim teachers nowadays are generally fab - my DCs go to the local municipal baths and their swim teacher is just brilliant. No-one will reduce him to a quivering wreck and they are BOUND to have encountered lots of nervous children.

Been there. Bought the t-shirt etc.

Not to the extent that DS was crying but he was very worried about it and came up with excuse after excuse why he couldn't go to school on swimming days.

I had a bit of a brain fever and actually wrote to the school and said I was pulling him from swimming and would bring him to school after the lesson. Partly my own issues - almost drowned at age 6 in a swimming lesson.

Anyway...... PE teacher and other teachers were great and made a real fuss of him. He didn't have to go in a deep pool. He loves football and the PE teacher got the swimming teacher to do special exercises in the pool with him "that all the footballers do". It was very gradual but thankfully now he loves swimming.

I do sympathise - it is horrible. Can you go along? The PE teacher said I could but I felt that would make things worse.

And they will have tried and tested tactics to ease him in gently. Can you talk to him - will he listen to reason or is fear taking him over?

Saltire, am in a very similar situation as you with DS1 starting lessons at school tomorrow!
My DS1 can't swim either, he was asked at the end of last term if they could or couldn't and he said he could ( we had just started lessons at the local baths in NOV.
He spent all hols worrying and this morning was in floods of tears, tummy ache etc.
I spoke to the teacher and he said he would sort it out, he was really nice.
If you like tell your lo mine is the same, perhaps it might help to know someone else is in exactly the same situation, then we could update them on how they're each doing. If thats any help for you. I know I'm going to be in for a difficult morning tomorrow as well.

Poor chap, how old is he ? can you agree with school/him that he can go and change and watch from side if needs be. He may find he wants to join in but a gentle approach could be best. He won't be alone in his fears either I'm sure.

Poor you. Not sure what to say to help him, but just to let you know that this isn't that uncommon, and the staff are used to it. Lessons for non-swimmers are primarily about confidence rather than skill. The staff ratios sound fantastic and I am sure that they will not force you son into doing anything he doesn't want. I have known some children literally not to leave the changing rooms until the 3rd lesson.

I have an aversion to water, I nearly drowned on school swimmming lessons when I was 13. I try really hard not to let the Dses see my fear, and will get in a pool on holiday. I even freak out if I get water on my face in the shower he's maybe subconsciously picked up on it though. he has clamed down a lot, although I am ready for sore tummy's, headaches sore legs etc tomorrow

Will be thinking of him today saltire. Hope he is OK.

Well he is away to school. No headaches or sore legs, he did however try to hide his trunks. Then said they were too small for him, so I told him to wear them today and we will get some new ones at the weekend. I think I'll go and buy him some goggles as well. I know how he feels, I would be terrified. I had only had about 6 weeks of swimming lessons when I ahd my almost drowning incident, and was a bit older.

Saltire hope your ds has been ok. Mine also seemed ok this morning, didn't want to get up though. sent him off with bag and goggles .

There was no phone call from the school saying "he's locked in the toilet can you come and get him". 10 more minutes until he gets in from school

saltire my ds1 has come home all smiles and actually enjoyed it, he tells me " he swam a whole width without putting his feet down until just before the side!!!!!"
I think they made it fun
how about you?

Hopefully he got on fine - but one thing that really got my ds confident in teh water was nose clips! Before he got them he wouldn't put his face anywhere near teh water. The nose clips really helped his confidence. He has now abandoned them and happily swims above and below the water.

He seemed to enjoy it, he said he can put his face under the water - which is more than i can do . He said they had floats and were learning to kick their legs whilst moving forward, so he was chuffed that he managed it

thats great , hopefully next week will be even better. Anychance you could take him over the weekend, would be good for him to see you and show you his new skills. Could you do it do you think?

Oh that's good saltire. You will just have to keep reminding him of how much he enjoyed it when it rolls around next week.

My DS was a nightmare even after a good while - every week we would have issues on a Wednesday. So every week I would say that I would speak to the teacher and every week she would tell me that he was absolutely fine once there - in fact as soon as I left school!

glad it went well.