Petrified of the pool!

[alyadri]

Help! My 3.5 year old dd is absolutely scared to death of the swimming pool. I signed her up for spring lessons in an indoor swimming pool so she'd be prepared for the summer.  It's a parent and tots class so you never let go of your child while in the water.  I have tried explaining things to her, bribing her and even just letting her watch.  She will not touch the water.  I stay home with her so I know nothing traumatic has happened in or near water.  Last year she showed some fear of the water while at the pool but she would at least go waist deep.  I just don't understand the sudden regression.

She has expressed that she's scared of the drain - to which I showed her in the tub at home that she's too big to be sucked down.  She is still scared though.

Any suggestions or similar experiences would help!

Thanks!

[lifeguard]

The pool atmosphere can be intimidating for some children. Is it possible to just go & hang out around the pool with no intention of going in a few times. Tell her you are just going to go watch & then just sit & watch people in the pool. Point out how much fun the children are having. Show her all the adults & lifeguards watching to keep everyone safe. Sit & a read a book or colour - something relaxed so she becomes more at ease in the environment.

From there you could start approaching the water more - maybe during quieter family or parent/tot swims (public swims tend to be very busy) or during the instructional - just talk to the instructor ahead of time to see if it is ok that you are not really participating but working towards it.

Some children do better without a parent. You know your own child better but I've had many a child who screamed on my hip until mom or dad left the pool area when they would then settle & join in the class.

I would also look at your (& other people close to your child) attitude about pool/water. Children can very easily pick up the fears of those around them with no understanding that is what is happening. If you are uncomfortable in the water, even if you are trying not to show, she may be picking that up (or someone else like dad or grandma...)