https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Wed, 29 Apr 2026 06:26:43 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/swimming-lessons-for-toddler-afraid-of-water#post-2665110 Tue, 13 Dec 2016 22:59:46 +0000 LemonJack 2665110@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Just an update to let you know that we kept up with the lessons, and now DD can't get enough of the water. She loves going every week and is doing a great job, so we have definitely conquered the fear...and then some! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/swimming-lessons-for-toddler-afraid-of-water#post-2592383 Mon, 25 Jul 2016 18:11:03 +0000 LemonJack 2592383@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We survived the first lesson, but it was rough. I waited in the lobby, but could still peek in on DD. She was crying throughout a good portion of the lesson, and was super upset at times. It was tough to watch.</p> <p>I talked to some other moms who said their children had gone through the same thing, but grew to love the lessons. I certainly hope that's the case and that I'm doing the right thing. I hope I'm not making it worse by forcing it.</p> <p>Anybody else have a child who went through something similar? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/swimming-lessons-for-toddler-afraid-of-water#post-2592275 Mon, 25 Jul 2016 15:22:16 +0000 looch 2592275@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Haha, my son would have caused a scene no matter if he was in a group or in a private lesson, that's just how he is. When he doesn't want to do something, no amount of peer pressure will cause him to change his mind.</p> <p>The only way my son would be interested would be if I was running the lesson...which isn't a problem because I was a certified water safety instructor for many years and have taught a lot of kids how to swim. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/swimming-lessons-for-toddler-afraid-of-water#post-2592259 Mon, 25 Jul 2016 15:06:38 +0000 LemonJack 2592259@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@NorCalWayfarer: Thanks, it's helpful to hear from someone who taught lessons! I'm glad to hear it's easier to get toddlers acclimated. That's my goal. I loved the water as a kid and want her to eventually feel that way too.</p> <p>@Maysprout: I'm all about small steps so I'm happy even if she sits there and watches. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/swimming-lessons-for-toddler-afraid-of-water#post-2592220 Mon, 25 Jul 2016 14:35:33 +0000 Maysprout 2592220@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't think you have to be worried about her causing a scene. Anyone who teaches swimming lessons to 2 year olds is going to be used to reluctant kids. Take small steps if she throws a fit. Try and get her to sit at the edge of the pool with or even without her feet in if that's what it takes for you to be able to sit off to the side. She'll make more improvements when her focus is off of you and on the instructor and wanting to try what the other kids are trying. But it might take small steps. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/swimming-lessons-for-toddler-afraid-of-water#post-2592192 Mon, 25 Jul 2016 14:19:01 +0000 NorCalWayfarer 2592192@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was a swim teacher and we always had a couple kids who were reticent about the water. They should be trained in how to coach kids into getting in the water at their own comfort-level. And I agree with @Truth Bombs that kids are usually better with other kids around (and parents not close by). Good luck-- she'll be fine :-) And I think it's great you're doing swim lessons sooner rather than later. A toddler who is scared of the water is easier to get comfortable than an older child. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/swimming-lessons-for-toddler-afraid-of-water#post-2592137 Mon, 25 Jul 2016 13:44:19 +0000 LemonJack 2592137@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Truth Bombs: Thanks, that helps! I agree that I think being with other kids will help. I also hope they do request I go out of sight (I'm totally okay with that!) because I think she'll be more willing to try without me around. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/swimming-lessons-for-toddler-afraid-of-water#post-2592130 Mon, 25 Jul 2016 13:41:35 +0000 Truth Bombs 2592130@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My kid doesn't have a cautious bone in her body. BUT, she has been doing swim lessons in a similar setting and I've had an opportunity to observe a lot of different kids because they have four small groups doing lessons in the pool at the same time. I will tell you the ONLY kids I ever see really screaming and making a scene are the ones doing individual lessons. In the small groups (2-3 kids) there are certainly some who are more cautious than others and hesitant to try things. But they don't scream and yell. I think seeing other kids their age do it, and being part of a group really helps with comfort levels. So hopefully that's your experience! Even if she's a bit resistant, I think it's worth pushing the issue since water safety is so important. Also, be prepared that they will probably want you to be out of sight. They let me sit close by now because they know my particular kid couldn't care less about my presence, but at first they made us leave the pool because some times kids get more upset and want their parents if they are close by. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/swimming-lessons-for-toddler-afraid-of-water#post-2592086 Mon, 25 Jul 2016 13:08:41 +0000 LemonJack 2592086@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>DD turned two at the beginning of the summer and I've just enrolled her in swimming lessons. She loves playing in the water at bath time, but has really developed a fear of water outside of that. I've worked on getting her into a pool with me this summer, and last week she had a blast swimming with my mom, but she still is extremely cautious and slow to warm up initially. If she feels at all pressured she will resist and start yelling.</p> <p>Knowing all of this, I enrolled her in lessons at a place that takes no more than four children at one time so she can get as much personalized attention as possible. Individual lessons are also an option if it comes to that. </p> <p>I'm not worried about her learning skills, simply overcoming her fear. We start lessons this afternoon and I'm really nervous because I'm afraid she'll make a scene. I've already talked to her about how she's going to have so much fun swimming today, and I'm planning on getting there early so she has some time to adjust and feel comfortable.</p> <p>Just wondering if anybody else enrolled a similarly cautious child in lessons and how it went. I've read conflicting things on when to enroll children in lessons, but I'm afraid if I wait until she's older that this fear will just get worse, making it even harder. Of course, the opposite could be true too.</p> <p>Anyway, stories? Commiseration? </p>