[queeney]

My son is 3.5 and loves water. Loves going in the water, splashing, playing on the steps etc can even blow bubbles with just his lips in the water but is petrified of putting his face under or going on his back.

I had him in lessons at Altone park in Beechboro the class was only four children but i think he needs something one on one. I don't really know what to do i was a fish at his age so can't relate. I don't want to force him but i want to help him to feel secure enough to do it, so I'm wondering if there are any swimming lessons or programmes that focus directly on this issue?

I an north of the river, but open to all suggestions. Or even advice if your little one was similar?

Thanks in advance ladies.

This post has been edited by queeney: 08/02/2013, 05:40 PM

[jujujulie]

I used to teach swimming and I would say to wear goggles in the bath and get him to put his goggles on your hand and slowly put hands in water, blow bubbles. Take it slow and lots of praise. Ask what he saw under water etc.

[sophiasmum]

No advice, but I wanted to share experience. My DD(4) started swimming lessons last week & they left going underwater until the end of the class. There was 1 girl who started crying & was obviously scared to do it so they didn't push her. She jumped in but kept her head above water.

My DD doesn't like going on her back, she'll do it but you can tell she's not comfortable with it. The teacher said to get her used to it by laying her head on your shoulder & talking in her ear telling her to relax so she floats her body like seaweed.

It's hard to watch them when you know they are not enjoying something, but perhaps when he is a bit older he will be less afraid?

[Jupiter]

My daughter was like this and I ended up leaving her to deal with it at her own pace.

She has just mastered it during vacation swimming lessons, aged 5 and a half.

These lessons at St Mary's Karrinyup look good: http://www.swimstruct.com.au/swimstruct_cl...ns_bookings.htm

I've taken my kids to Newman College Churchlands for vacation swimming for years. There's never been more than two kids per class although the maximum is four.

[Aquarium]

What's he like in the bath? Are you able to pour water over his face? This should be your starting point, with a small cup and build up to larger amounts. Once he's comfortable with having a large cup poured down the front of his face, he'll be ready for the pool.

[queeney]

Thanks for the replies Ladies. I tend to agree i think he just needs time to mature and get used to it and understand the concept a bit more.

He doesn't mind water in his head in the shower or bath, but needs a towelimmediatelly to dry it. I just keep reassuring him that water on his face is fine and have started taking a little longer each time to pass him a towel, only a few seconds, but he is dealing with it ok.

[queeney]

So, just thought ild pop in and update from tonight swim at my parents. I stopped at the chemist and got him the ear plugs and band and he was so excited and proud to show pop pop his Band that would help him swim.

I started really slowly asking him to do little things (as i have in the past with no willingness at all) and he started by tilting his head to each side putting his ears in. Slowly slowly and he actually swam with his swim vest on and noodle in a 'u' shape under his arms as we had tried and tried to get him to do in his swimming lessons. He only swam about a metre unassisted from me to the steps. He did this twice and i was so proud!! I don't know if his ears were the issue or the ear band just gave him the courage, but i don't care!! Lol.

I'm going to keep encouraging him to feel comfortable while in my parents pool and maybe look at enrolling him in lessons next term.

Thanks again for your advice and suggestions.

[libbylu]

The best way to get kids through this phase is to get into the pool with them and play together on a regular basis. They are way braver when you are right there for them. Preferably when the pool is quiet and you can relax and have a lovely cuddly time together. With gentle encouragement and mummy right at hand it doesn't take long.

[Overtherainbow]

I'll go against majority. DS was petrified of all water. Bath, pool, shower, etc. Even being in a room with water would have him hysterical.

We got to 3 and ended up just pushing him. We had a horrible time for several months. Swimming twice per week in lessons and once for a play swim. We did make him go under once per lesson. We rewarded him for doing it and praised him majorly.

4 years later and he's a fish. He talks about when he used to be scared of water and finds it strange that he was scared and now loves it so much. He's becoming a strong swimmer and can dive, flip and bombie with the best of them.

We found more frequent swimming made a huge difference. Once per week wasn't enough for him. I hated it, his teachers hated it. He has a wonderful relationship with those teachers still and he always finds them to say hello when we go to lessons.

ETA We always used goggles and it's only recently he is comfortable spending some time without them.

This post has been edited by Overtherainbow: 10/02/2013, 12:05 AM

[sardines_for_tea]

Mine hated it too, we just let him take it at his own pace, lots of encouragement, I think he was around 4 or 5 when he started to be comfortable with it all the time. He's 9 now and loves swimming. I think forcing them is a bit dangerous and could really backfire on you, keep it fun!