What to do when your child hates going to their swimming lessons?
Have you considered the reason your child might not be enjoying their swimming lessons? It can be anything from being tired or uncertain about the tasks they are performing. It could be that they are bored, or it could be that they may not connect with a teacher or the other students in the class.
As a teacher and parent, it’s our job to determine why a child might feel like they don’t want to continue swimming lessons. The types of examples above can be easily fixed.
4 Things you can do to help
When a child is not enjoying swimming lessons, a parent won’t usually discuss it with the swim school. We can’t stress enough that here at SOLS, we want to hear from you! These types of discussions need to happen with parents and teachers. These types of conversations are better to have sooner than later. This allows the centre and the teacher to help the child get the most out of their lessons. This also helps to create a better relationship between parent, child and swim school.
1. Your child may need a Snack!
When coming to swimming lessons after school, make sure your child has had a snack, whether a banana or chocolate milk. Food will give them the energy to complete their lesson.
2. Find something that stimulates your child.
If a child is unsure or bored, our teachers can focus on your child and develop activities that stimulate and engage them. A teacher can amend the activity to suit the child’s development. The teacher can also give that child more time and reassurance to complete the task. Our teachers are here to make expert decisions and recommendations based on your child’s needs, which is why communication with SOLS is essential.
3. Find a connection
A child’s connection with a teacher is essential. We can always move a child to another class if a relationship between child and teacher is an issue. It’s all a part of the teaching process!
4. Ask leading questions
One last tip – try and ask leading questions. Stick clear of asking direct questions like “are you scared?” Leading questions can be hard to master, and we recommend asking leading questions like “how do you feel when you are swimming?” Guiding questions will influence a child to answer in a way that aligns with their thoughts.
One of the areas we are passionate about here at SOLS is homework sheets. (right of screen) If you find your child is struggling with liking their lessons, maybe practicing at home in the bath or shower could help boost their confidence and have the mindset to continue. Sometimes, once you stop lessons after a child has expressed they don’t want to continue, it can be a lot harder to start up again later. And what do they always say – Practice makes perfect!
Please see the links to the right to download homework sheets. Otherwise you can download the Floating and Submersion Conditioning Homework sheets here.
A child’s connection with a teacher is essential. We can always move a child to another class if a relationship between child and teacher is an issue. It’s all a part of the teaching process!
Want to find out more?
It’s important to get the facts right. Feel free to contact us to find out more. Our pool is monitored daily to maintain the safe environment for all out swimmers.
