My child has anxiety in/around swim lessons…What can I do to support them?
It is very typical for a child to be anxious around swim lessons and there could be a plethora of changes they have to navigate. It could be the new facility, new environment, new faces, separating from their parent/guardian, new skills, etc. Through years of research in the field there are a few key aspects that help to bridge the gap of being anxious around water to developing a tolerance or love for the water.
CONSISTENCY. Consistency to your regularly scheduled lesson. Consistency of the coach. Consistency of expectations. Consistency of support. When a kiddo knows what to expect, it will help to ease their anxieties around the water. We HIGHLY recommend that if your kiddo is exhibiting anxious symptoms to trust our coaches will know how to handle the situation. We recommend the “Drop and Go” technique where you hand your child off to the coach and let the kiddo and coach work through their feelings together.
COMMUNICATION. Having clear expectations and communications between the coach and the student is another key aspect of easing a child through those anxious moments into celebrations and smiles. As your kiddo continuously attends their regularly scheduled lessons and works with the coach, they begin to develop a bond and a relationship with each other. The coach starts to learn the kiddos strengths, as well as when to push and when to back off. Trust the process and eventually you will see the transition to smiles, giggles, and a love for the water.
As a parent/guardian of an anxious swimmer, there are also things you can practice outside of swim lessons to continue to foster the love for the water. This is highly encouraged, not only because it can help to expedite the progression of the kiddo, but it helps to create a wholesome experience for the child. It brings together their swimming experiences and their home life through fun and engaging moments where you can also bond with your kiddo!
BEFORE THE LESSON:
Talk about it! 🗯
Safety: ⚠
Explain to your kiddo that learning to swim is a crucial life skill that helps keep them safe in and around the water.
Highlight the fun/talk about their experiences
Emphasize the fun parts of lessons, such as making new friends, plaing in the water, and learning new skills can help your child become excited for their lessons.
If you have positive memories or experiences related to swimming, share them with your child. This can help to create positive associations with the activity.
Address their concerns
Ask your child if they have any specific concerns or fears about the lesson or swimming in general. Listen attentively and talk about each concern with understanding and empathy! Remember, this is a completely NEW experience for them.
Let them know that their coach will keep them SAFE!!
Use the COACH’S BIO PAGE to show your child who their coach is and learn some fun facts about them! MAKE CONNECTIONS!!
Visit us!
Come in during our regularly scheduled visits and you can hang out and watch a lesson from “down below” and talk about the experiences while getting acquainted with our facility!
DURING THE LESSON:
It is best to stay our of their line of sight. This greatly helps them to overcome any separation anxieties as the coach starts to build and foster their relationship.
It communicates to the child that the parent/guardian trusts the coach to keep their child safe.
Try your best to keep your kiddo in the lesson for the FULL time. 🕒
Kids are clever and can use this as a way to get out of the pool and see their loved ones/ use the bathroom/ any excuse out of the book.
It encourages structure, routine, and communication to the kiddo that they are here and they are safe week-to-week.
Interact with them through the windows 👍
Bring their favorite water/bath toys to use during lessons 🦆
Take pictures and videos of them to share with them after 📸
BIG CELEBRATIONS when they try a new skill and succeeded! 🎉
AFTER THE LESSON:
Hype them up! 👏
Celebrating little wins boosts your child’s confidence and will make them feel brave enough to try the skill again in the following weeks.
Practice at home: 🏘
Bubble Cheeks:
Cue your child to show you their “BUBBLE CHEEKS” to practice their breath holds. Essentially, have them “catch a bubble in their cheeks” and hold it. Make it a game. Encourage it during bath time and if they can use their bubble cheeks in the bath tub.
Teapots:
While singing the “I’m a Little Teapot” song, pour the water over them gradually, making your way to the top of their head. Before you pour the water over their face, say “BUBBLE CHEEKS” and slowly pour the water over their face! Don’t forget to CELEBRATE!! 🎉
Always remember to be patient with your child and use a lot of positive regard to help build their confidence in and around the water! Give them time and TRUST THE PROCESS!