It's heartbreaking: your child, who started swimming lessons with such enthusiasm, suddenly freezes in the pool. Tears, fear, and a child who no longer wants to participate. You're not alone! Many parents struggle with this problem. In this article, we delve into the causes of these blockages and give you practical tips to help your child overcome their swimming anxiety. We'll also look at how to choose a good swim school that suits your child's needs.
Why is my child blocking during swimming lessons?
There are several reasons why a child might block during swimming lessons . It's important to find out the cause so you can choose the right approach:
- Negative experience: A bad experience in the water, such as being pulled under or swallowing water, can cause trauma .
- Parents' anxiety: Children pick up on their parents' emotions . If you as a parent are afraid of water, your child may take this on.
- Unfamiliarity: A child who has little contact with water may become afraid of it .
- Personality: Some children are naturally more sensitive and afraid than others .
- Loss of control: Fear of the feeling of losing control in the water .
- Stimuli: Over-sensitive children can associate water with stress, for example due to noise .
- Motor problems: Difficulty with motor skills can mean that the child does not pick up the movements properly .
- Illness or disability: A physical or mental disability can cause problems during swimming lessons .
It is important to remember that this fear is normal and that many children suffer from it .
Symptoms of swimming anxiety
How do you recognise swimming anxiety in your child? Look out for the following signals :
- Crying or panicking when they see water.
- Clammy hands and increased heart rate.
- Refusal to go into the water.
- Clinging to you or the edge of the pool.
- Poor sleep or nightmares about water.
- Avoiding swimming pools or swimming holidays (also in adults).
Practical tips to overcome swimming anxiety
Overcoming swimming anxiety takes time and patience . Forcing it is counterproductive. Use the following tips to help your child:
- Start calmly and playfully: Introduce water in a fun and relaxed way . For example, start with splashing in the bath or a small paddling pool in the garden .
- Take your time: Don't force your child to do something they are not ready for . Let your child set the pace .
- Create a safe environment: Provide a calm and familiar environment during swimming lessons .
- Give control: For example, let your child hold the shower head themselves or decide how high the bath water should be . Give your child as much control as possible over the swimming process .
- Make it fun: Games with toys or blowing bubbles under water create enjoyment . Sing songs and encourage your child .
- Practice at home: Practice at home in the bath or shower . Let your child splash water over their face and teach them to exhale under water .
- Use aids: A swimming vest or board can help your child feel safer .
- Breathing exercises: Calmly exhaling in the water helps reduce tension .
- Celebrate successes: Every small step forward deserves appreciation . Reward your child after swimming lessons .
- Talk about it: Open the conversation and let your child talk about their anxiety . Accept the anxiety and overcome it together .
- Involve siblings, friends and family: Time in the pool with family and friends is a great way to stimulate your child's desire to swim .
- Be an example: Show that you yourself enjoy being in the water .
- Make clear agreements: Make clear agreements with your child about what is going to happen, so you can increase their sense of security again .
If the anxiety persists, consider professional help from a swimming teacher or therapist .
The role of the swim school
The choice of swim school is crucial. A good swim school:
- Has experienced and qualified instructors .
- Offers small groups or private lessons .
- Has a positive and stimulating approach .
- Teaches in a safe and child-friendly environment .
- Takes into account the individual needs of the child.
Discuss your child's anxiety with the swimming instructor. A good instructor can help your child overcome their anxiety and build confidence in the water. Read more about the different teaching methods available and which one best suits your child.
Swimming safety: more than a diploma
Keep in mind that obtaining a swimming diploma does not automatically mean that your child is water safe. Keep practicing and swimming with your child regularly, even after obtaining the diploma. Also, take a critical look at the value of the NRZ diploma and consider going beyond the A diploma.
Finding swimming lessons in your city
Are you looking for a good swim school in your area? Easily compare swimming lesson providers based on location, price, method and reviews via ZwemlesWijzer. This way you can find the swim school that best suits your child's needs. For example:
- Swimming lessons in Amsterdam
- Swimming lessons in Rotterdam
- Swimming lessons in The Hague
- Swimming lessons in Utrecht
Conclusion
It is frustrating when your child freezes during swimming lessons, but with the right approach and patience, it is often possible to overcome swimming anxiety. Create a safe environment, take your time, and celebrate successes. And remember: swimming should be fun! Use ZwemlesWijzer to find the best swimming lesson provider in your city and give your child the chance to get to know the water with fun and confidence.
