This week's podcast tackles those common pain points: what happens when a child starts crying on their very first day of swimming lessons? Sometimes, a child might cry when starting lessons for a number of reasons, and in this episode, we go into detail through the first few obvious and not-so-obvious ones.
Preparation: Before the Lesson Begins
The emotional state of the child often starts long before they even enter the water. We break down several key areas that parents should consider:
– The Environment and Location
- New Pool or Location: Have they ever been to this specific facility before? Novel environments can be overwhelming for young swimmers.
– Expectations and Experience
- Prior Lessons: Have they had swim lessons before, even in a different setting?Familiarity: Have they been to this pool or facility previously?Peer Group: Are their peers there? Seeing same-age children can sometimes reduce anxiety, while being surrounded by much older kids might increase it.
– Parental Influence
This is perhaps the most critical factor. We discuss how parent expectations play a role:
- Setting Expectations: Have parents created any fear points of their own and inadvertently imparted them to the child? Remember, children are highly perceptive and pick up on their parent's feelings of apprehension.
The Moment: During the Lesson
The actual lesson environment presents several potential triggers for anxiety or tears. These moments require calm, confident handling from both the instructor and the parent.
Attendance Check: The Swim Coordinator calling the child's name for attendance can be a sudden, public moment of focus.Introductions: Being introduced to their teacher in a new setting.Entering the Water: The initial physical act of entering the water for the first time.First Activity: The first activity given to them by the instructor.The Challenge: The first challenging activity, which naturally increases the stakes and potential for tears.Implied Authority: Dealing with the perceived authority of the instructors and the structured nature of the lesson itself.
Coach's Advice: What Parents Must Remember
As parents, your behavior is contagious. We emphasize these crucial points:
- Keep Goodbyes Brief: Lingering makes the whole process more painful for both the child and the parent. A quick, confident goodbye is best.The Walk-In: If a parent needs to walk their child in, let them, but do not let them stay. The parent should walk them to the edge, and once the child is engaged or distracted, they should back off—moving outside of the window, or farther away from the edge.
Key Takeaway: Confidence is the most important tool you bring to the pool. If you are calm, the child is more likely to be calm.
Need More Information?
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