How to encourage your timid kid to try swim lessons
DISCLAIMER: Hey reader! Please know Goldfish Swim School is a valued partner of theCityMoms. Because of this relationship, we occasionally share sponsored content we feel could be valuable or interesting for your family. Like this: Encouraging your timid kid to try swim lessons. Read on, reader!
I have been pretty lucky up to this point when it comes to kids and extracurricular activities. My daughter never picked daisies on the soccer field. My son never hesitated to jump right into toddler tumbling. For the most part, I have never had to beg, bargain, or plead to get my kids to participate in their activities. Until recently, that is, when in one afternoon I became THAT mom with THAT kid at our otherwise peaceful and uneventful swim lessons.
You all know THAT kid. Sobbing. Begging you not to make her get near that pool. Clinging to you in her wet bathing suit.
And you all probably know THAT mom. Most of you have probably had a turn playing her part. Heartbroken by the tears of your child. Slightly embarrassed. And mostly, unsure of the “right” way to handle the situation.Yep, that was me one recent afternoon at Goldfish Swim School. My five year old daughter, who had been thoroughly enjoying her lessons up to that point became absolutely terrified of getting back in the water. The staff was absolutely wonderful with her, and with me. They sat with her. They played games with her. They remained patient. They reassured me. My daughter refused to get back into the pool that day and for several weeks afterwards, and I faced a question that parents face across the board when kids refuse to participate in activities: what do I do now?
First, we decided to give her a break, but we told her that she had to try again. Second, we talked to the phenomenal staff at Goldfish who suggested that we let our daughter move back down a level to boost her confidence. They easily moved us into a new class with an instructor they said would be perfect for our daughter and assured us that we would continue to brainstorm techniques for getting her over her fear. We had a plan.
DYK WE’VE FEATURED GOLDFISH IN OTHER GREAT POSTS?
Luckily for us, the curriculum at Goldfish Swim School provided a lot of motivation for my daughter to get back in the pool. They have perfected The Science of SwimPlay, which means that in addition to learning safety and swimming techniques, they really want kids to have fun during lessons. I could tell my daughter with confidence that her instructor would make her smile. I also reminded her that she could look forward to a ribbon to display proudly in her room because Goldfish believes in rewarding progression as well as confidence and overcoming fears. Most importantly, I knew she would be listened to and never belittled for being afraid. Let’s be honest, swimming can be scary, and the instructors at Goldfish take this seriously.
Yesterday she got back in the pool.
There were a few tears and shaking hands. She was tentative at first, but we watched behind the glass as she laughed a little at her instructor. I felt myself relax as I saw her slowly push off the wall and kick towards the middle of the pool. Finally, at the end of class, as she ran up to me with ribbon in hand, I knew that we had made the right decision. Supported by the great instructors and the great curriculum at Goldfish, our little swimmer was swimming again. Too bad they don’t make ribbons for parents...
To learn more about Goldfish Swim School and the Science of SwimPlay click here. And remember, theCityMoms members have a fabulous perk at Goldfish Swim School. To see all of the details click here.
MORE INFO: Goldfish Swim School is a premier learn-to-swim facility dedicated entirely to infants and children, ages four months to 12 years. They have two locations in the greater Indianapolis area: 271 Merchants Square Drive in Carmel and 11581 Geist Pavilion Drive in Fishers. Lessons are offered in a child-friendly environment on a family-friendly schedule. Visit goldfishswimschool.com or call {317} 810.0790 for additional details.
