Some kids will cry at EACH Swimming Lesson

I am meeting many wonderful Swimming Specialists on-line. Here is what Victoria Campbell  writes to help parents of crying kids:

"First Days of Swim lessons are often filled with tears. Even my returning little ones who loved the water last year typically start off the new season with a day or so of tears.

For new students tears usually fall into 3 categories. First the little one who would just as easily start to cry if left in the church nursery is reacting to being handed by their Momma or Daddy to an unfamiliar person. Second, starting lessons is an introduction into a whole new experience with the water. Some have only been in the bath before. Some have been in the pool but never had their face in the water. Finally, tears are fairly common in the older child who has gotten comfortable wearing their floaties or staying only on the pool steps. Many of these children are cautious by nature and have become somewhat reluctant/apprehensive regarding the idea of learning to swim.

Seeing a child cry during lessons can be one of the most difficult parts of the process. As a parent who loves their child that is completely understandable. Here's a few things to help both you and your child through this time. First remember your child's cries are caused by many different things. It is still the way that they communicate when they are frustrated, angry, hungry, tired etc. Try to be encouraging and positive before during and after your child’s lesson. If your child brings up swimming for example saying , “No swimming lesson Mommy,” you can either gently redirect him or her to something else or say something like Mommy is so proud of how you are learning to swim like a fish. Don’t get caught up in a discussion trying to rationalize with him…it won’t work! Also don’t apologize for making her go to lessons or say, “I know this is scary.” This only focuses both of your attention on the negative and will promote more tears. During lessons, your child wants to see your confident smile when she looks at you on the pool deck. Let your child see that you feel good about what is going on in the lesson and your pride at how hard she is working. Clapping and smiling works great! Once the lesson is over praise him for his hard work is a must. Say, “Daddy saw you use your arms and legs to get to the steps. Wow, you went underwater just like Nemo or Ariel!”

As the days pass, you will be amazed by your child’s accomplishments. Most parents will see a decrease in their child’s level of crying and in some cases it will stop as the child feels the sense of accomplishment and revels in the praise he or she is receiving. It is this transition from tears to cheers that I find most satisfying as an instructor. I accept that some tears are part of the process but when a child shows up happy and ready to swim truly enjoying the experience this is as good as it gets! Nevertheless even if your child does continue to complain throughout the lessons, don’t despair. He or she is learning a valuable, potentially lifesaving skill and by next year that child will probably be done with tears. Some children also cry at every lesson but don't cry at all in the pool with Mom or Dad. Every child is unique.

As hard as these days seem, you will look back and be so grateful having made the commitment to giving your child this instruction at an early age. And sadly for his or her instructor the day comes when lessons will not even be a memory and your child will only remember the joy that comes with swimming."