How to Prepare Your Child For Swim Lessons

Do you have a child that screams bloody murder when they see a drop of water?

Lol Maybe not that extreme, but you get the point.

Not understanding why they are so disinterested from water can be surprising. However, it makes bath time or anything water-related a hassle. Learn how to prepare your child for swim lessons in this blog. All you have to do is keep reading. 

You may not want to hear this, but the solution is to expose them to water more often. We know, we know you’re probably thinking we’ve tried that already. 

Hear us out! Exposing your child to different bodies of water more frequently will get them used to water in general. In addition to the exposure, they need to see you in the water with them. They follow what you do. If they don’t see you in the tub, they won’t get in the tub. If they see you doing everything in your power to avoid a raindrop, they will too!

1. Let’s start with the bathtub. Gradually increasing the amount of water is a good way to trick them into loving the water. Playing games as well will incentivize them to be more active with it. We suggest once or twice a week sit in the tub with them and play fun games, sing songs, etc. Make it a comforting experience.
2. Rain, Rain, Go Away, used to be the go-to song because we tend to dread this type of weather. However, this is the best time to prepare your child for swim lessons. Find the cutest raincoat and duck umbrella to voyage outside and splash in puddles. Turn gloomy rainy days into a challenge to see who can make the biggest splash. 
3. Beaches are another great way to get them ready for swim lessons. Find a place near the ocean so they can experience the sound of the waves crashing on the shore watching their toes disappear under the sand with each movement.
4. Now we’re ready for the pool. After all of this exposure to water they should be a ready, willing, and more prepared child for swim lessons. The days of crying and giving puppy dog eye looks are long gone.

If your child has experienced a trauma near water we suggest you look into therapy sessions to help them gain control over this fear. Then follow the steps listed above to prepare your child for swim lessons.