Helping with Confidence

Some children take to the water and their lessons like like a fish to water. Other children are more hesitant and will struggle with what we view as simple tasks - like putting their faces in the water. As a parent, there are lots of ways you can help support and encourage your child..

1. Be understanding-If this is where you have decided to start your child's learn to swim journey they have already had years for their fears to set in. You will be placing them in an environment that they are not comfortable with and giving them to a person (their instructor) that is a stranger. It is going to take time for your child to build a relationship with their instructor to then start trusting and being able to progress with their swimming.
2. Be patient- don't lose your temper or try and force your child to perform the things they are not ready for. This will create a negative environment for the child, add pressure for them and a feeling of failure.
3. Be encouraging- celebrate every small achievement no matter how small it seems for you! For a child that is not comfortable  putting their eyes in the water simply pouring water on their face successfully is a big deal celebrate all their achievements and give positive reinforcement.
4. Keep the communication open- with your child's instructor let them know what your child is worried about (if you know) so that their instructor can help address the issue in class.
5. Try not to compare your child- to other children each child has their own individual journey with swimming, comparing them to other children is like comparing oranges and apples each is completely different!
6. PRACTICE- take your child to the pool outside lesson times, the benefits are amazing! Just playing with your child and letting them feel in control can help them gain confidence quickly. Aquatots offers free use of the pool to your child and their immediate family so take advantage of this!



If you would like tips on how to help your child gain confidence in and around the water please feel free to contact us or see our friendly on deck team for a face to face chat. Every shift has an On Deck Supervisor who has many years of teaching experience behind them. They all have lot's of tips and tricks for you and your little one.