Swimming is a life skill, and learning how to swim should be non-negotiable in all households. Learning to swim will expose your child to numerous life experiences, such as ocean swimming, scuba diving, snorkelling, fishing, canoeing, and more. Moreover, it will equip them with the ability to keep themselves safe in the water and may even allow them to save lives in the future. Thus, it would be best to consider private swimming lessons for children, should you want to equip them with these skills.
However, not all kids are keen on the idea of learning how to swim. Your child might feel anxious or afraid, especially if they have never tried swimming. That said, it is important to remember that resistance to swimming lessons is absolutely normal for young kids. Luckily, there are some simple things you can do to convince your child to learn how to swim. Here, we share the most effective tips that can help your nervous little one get into swimming.
1. Use encouraging words
This might seem obvious, but consider whether you use encouraging words when discussing swimming with your child. Most of the time, all a child needs is support and encouragement from their parents. Instead of nagging at them, explain to your child, in an age-appropriate manner, why learning how to swim is necessary. Assure them that you will be by their side every step of the way and tell them that you genuinely believe in their potential to become a fantastic swimmer!
2. Opt for one-on-one swim lessons
Swimming classes can be conducted in a group or one-on-one setup. If it is your child’s first time swimming, it is best to sign them up for one-on-one swimming lessons to receive all the attention and guidance they need. When it comes to getting in the water, some kids are more likely to listen to an adult other than their parents. A patient, kind, and seasoned swim coach may do just the trick for your anxious little swimmer.
3. Seek counselling
Sometimes, your child’s resistance to swimming lessons may stem from trauma, such as a near-drowning accident in the past or a scary movie that they have seen involving water. It will be helpful to understand the reason behind your child’s fear or anxiety. Suppose your kid seems particularly afraid or anxious about getting in the water, and you can’t get to the bottom of it. In that case, meeting for a session or two with a child psychologist who can help you decipher your child’s emotions is advisable.
4. Make the learning process fun
Children love to have fun. Hence, one of the best ways to convince your child to go for swimming lessons is to tell them about all the fun learning they will experience and the new friends they will meet in their swim class. If your kid loves splashing water in the bathtub, let them know that they will be doing some exciting splashing during their swimming session. Explaining to your child the fun they will be having can go a long way in getting them interested in learning how to swim.
Conclusion
It is common for young children to feel afraid or anxious about getting in the water. However, such fear and anxiety should not stop them from learning how to swim, especially because swimming is an essential life skill that can save them and others in the future. If your child seems nervous and resistant to the idea of taking swimming lessons, the simple yet fool proof tips shared in this article might help you convince them otherwise.
For the most trusted and effective private swimming lessons for children in Singapore, SG Condo Swimming Lessons is the one you can count on! We offer comprehensive private swimming lessons for adult beginners, toddlers, and children that involve helping learners feel safe and comfortable in the water. Don’t hesitate to contact us today for more information on our classes or to start learning how to swim like a professional with a trusted condo swimming coach!
