Scaredy cat and swim lessons?

[springbeduk]

Any thoughts on whether to attempt swim lessons with my dd who tends to be a scaredy cat? I think this is the last year when she's young enough for the super-beginner, parent in the water with you class, and I'm not sure she'd be ok in the next one up next year. But I'm also afraid she will just refuse and it'll be a waste. Also if the pool has the rule that many do that you have to shower before going in the pool, she is still scared of showers. Ive never been to this pool (I hate pools) so don't know what their system is.

She talks about wanting to go swimming, but I think at daycare the one day they had the kiddie pools out so far this season she still wouldn't go in.

Advice?

Ps- I didn't learn to swim properly until around 3rd grade although we lived across the street from a lake and I was happy playing in shallow water. Too much of a scaredy cat for my parents to teach me. The summer I finally learned there was a lifeguard who gave proper lessons and I was old enough for peer pressure to play a role. I'd really like d to learn a lot sooner. We are on and around water a lot.,

[athn64]

I'd check to see if there is a refund policy in case she refuses to participate. I might try just to help her get more comfortable around water.

[activebaby]

Can you do any private lessons? That may help her get familiar before the group lesson. Or do you have a pool you can bring her to prior to the lessons so she can get comfortable?

[haykay13]

My friend who used to professionally teach swim lessons is doing lessons with DS and a couple other friends this summer. Before they get in she has them get comfortable by having them splash water on their legs, arms, shoulder, dip their arm in the water etc until they're all wet.

I would definitely ask about a refund policy. I think the YMCA refunds you if your child refuses to participate.

[bliz1712]

Both of my kids were iffy when we did the mom/kid classes. But eventually they became more comfortable. Honestly, I would send her, watch from afar, and then see how it goes. The life guards or teachers are equipped to deal with this and have seen it before. And if you're not too close, who knows maybe she'll me more willing. I imagine there is a slight distraction knowing your parents are watching. Or just in general, my kids are more apt to listen or follow other kids if I'm not there. The good old rule of acting differently in front of the parents compared to other adults.

[emmygirl]

I say try the class with her. Even if she's not fully participating in the class she's still getting comfortable being in the pool and with that routine. Then maybe after a few classes she'll be more likely to participate. I think swimming/pool survival is a big deal so I've had DD in since she was six months. The more they are comfortable in water the better they'll do. Try with her and see how it goes. Also practice some of the stuff they teach you during bath time at home, that helped DD too.

[emmagk]

Can you take her to open swim time to get her used to the water? If not i'd take her to swim class and stick it out.

And flame away but i never shower before getting in the pool.

[springbeduk]

Jun 19, 2017 9:10:21 GMT -5 activebaby said:

Can you do any private lessons? That may help her get familiar before the group lesson. Or do you have a pool you can bring her to prior to the lessons so she can get comfortable?

no idea where to look for private lessons. Only pools around are the Y (where I'm considering class) and motels.
There's some lake beaches that are good for swimming but still wicked cold!

[activebaby]

Jun 19, 2017 11:25:03 GMT -5 springbeduk said:

Jun 19, 2017 9:10:21 GMT -5 activebaby said:

Can you do any private lessons? That may help her get familiar before the group lesson. Or do you have a pool you can bring her to prior to the lessons so she can get comfortable?

no idea where to look for private lessons. Only pools around are the Y (where I'm considering class) and motels.
There's some lake beaches that are good for swimming but still wicked cold!

I just googled to learn. I had a few options. So far, so good! We are only 2 weeks in. And I'll second what bliz said - ds1 listens to the teacher much better when I'm not in the water with him.

[SpinsOffResonance]

Jun 19, 2017 11:01:34 GMT -5 emmagk said:

Can you take her to open swim time to get her used to the water? If not i'd take her to swim class and stick it out.

and flame away but i never shower before getting in the pool .

Every pool I've been in always has the rule to shower before entering. Never have I ever showered before getting in a pool.

Does anyone do it?!?

I remember the indoor pool where I took swim lessons as a kid, had this mist/shower bassin you had to walk through to get from the changing rooms to the pool. There was no other way. So that was their way of insuring everyone for a "shower" before getting in the pool. What a waste of water though keeping that thing on all the time!

[emmygirl]

What does showering off really do?

[bliz1712]

Doesn't it wash off bacteria or dead skin? I could be way off base but that's what I assumed. But I never do it regardless lol

[activebaby]

We don't shower before the pool routinely (= h will sometimes, I never do). H competitively swam so maybe that's why? I never showered after until h- now we all usually shower off immediately after swimming.