Do you recognise this? Your child, who previously loved going to swimming lessons, suddenly refuses. "I don't want to anymore!" they exclaim. As a parent, this is frustrating and sometimes even frightening. Why doesn't your child want to swim anymore, and what can you do about it? In this article from ZwemlesWijzer, we delve into the possible causes and offer practical solutions to get your child back in the water with pleasure.
Why doesn't my child want to swim anymore?
There are several reasons why a child may suddenly stop enjoying swimming lessons. It is important to find the cause before looking for solutions. Some common reasons include:
- Fear: This is one of the most common causes. Your child may be afraid of the water, deep water, going underwater, or not being able to breathe. Sometimes there has been an incident, such as getting water in their nose or a fright, which caused the fear. Negative stories from other children can also play a role.
- Negative experiences: Has your child had an unpleasant experience during swimming lessons? Think of a strict swimming teacher, a painful exercise, or being bullied by other children. This can create a negative association with swimming.
- Performance pressure: Some children experience pressure to perform and quickly obtain their swimming certificate. This can increase stress and take away the fun. The focus then shifts from 'wanting to' to 'having to'.
- Fatigue: Swimming lessons are intensive and require a lot of energy. If your child is tired, for example, after a long school day, swimming lessons can be an extra burden.
- Lack of motivation: Perhaps your child does not see the point of swimming, or finds the exercises boring. It is important that the lessons match the child's perception.
- Problems with the swimming teacher: A poor rapport with the swimming teacher can have a big impact. An impatient or unfriendly teacher can cause fear and insecurity.
- Social problems: Does your child not feel comfortable in the group? Is he/she excluded or bullied? This can also be a reason to avoid swimming lessons.
Specific fear:
It is important to find out exactly where the fear comes from. Is it the depth of the water? The splashing? The crowds? By identifying this, you can work more targeted with solutions. A conversation with the swimming teacher can help.
What can you do? Solutions for swimming lesson refusal
Now that you have a better idea of the possible causes, we can look at solutions. It is important to be patient and support your child. Do not force anything and try to make swimming fun again.
- Talk to your child: The most important thing is to talk openly and honestly with your child. Ask why he/she no longer wants to swim and listen carefully to the answer. Try to understand the fear or frustration without judging. For example, say: "I hear you find it scary to go underwater. Tell me more about it."
- Take the fear seriously: Do not trivialise the fear. Do not say: "Don't be silly" or "It's not scary, is it?" Acknowledge the fear and show that you are there to help. "I understand you find it scary, and I will help you feel better about it."
- Seek collaboration with the swimming teacher: Inform the swimming teacher about the situation. He/she can give your child extra guidance and adapt the lessons. Discuss together how your child can best be helped. A good swimming teacher is essential!
- Make swimming fun again: Try to associate swimming with positive experiences again. Go recreational swimming together in a subtropical swimming pool, play games in the water, or watch fun videos about swimming together. Show that swimming can also be fun without the performance pressure of swimming lessons.
- Small steps: Do not force your child to immediately participate in swimming lessons again. Start with small steps. For example, first just go and watch the swimming lesson, or go play together in the shallow end of the pool for a while. Build it up slowly.
- Reward positive behaviour: Reward your child when he/she takes a step in the right direction, no matter how small. Give a compliment, a hug, or a small reward. Focus on the effort, not the result.
- Consider private lessons: If your child has a lot of fear, private lessons can be a good option. The swimming teacher can then give your child all their attention and adapt the lesson to his/her pace and needs.
- Change swimming school: Sometimes a different swimming school with a different approach is the solution. Look at the atmosphere, the teaching methods, and the qualifications of the swimming teachers. A trial lesson can help determine if it is a better match.
- Be patient: It may take some time before your child enjoys swimming lessons again. Do not give up and continue to support your child. The most important thing is that your child feels safe and comfortable in the water.
What to do in case of a negative experience?
If the reason for refusing swimming lessons is a negative experience, try to discuss this with the swimming school. Often, a solution can be found, for example, by changing the swimming teacher or by getting extra guidance. If this does not work, it may be wise to switch to another swimming school.
Conclusion
It is not uncommon for children to have periods when they are less enthusiastic about swimming lessons. By finding the cause and choosing the right approach, you can help your child overcome their fear and enjoy swimming again. Remember: patience, understanding, and a positive approach are essential! And if it really doesn't work, consider a break. Sometimes taking a step back is the best solution.
