Swimming instruction

[Peepsqueak]

I had my kids in swimming lessons at the YMCA and I was curious as to how the lessons can be taught without scaring kids half to death. It was painful for me to watch my youngest and I would not force him to get in the water if he did not want to but the teachers often let the kids cry while swimming. They are terrified but are swimming or being taught to stay afloat in the deep end. I am a good swimmer myself and took a life guard course as a young teenager. I could teach them myself but I think swimming instruction requires a little more savvy in teaching techniques.

I thought maybe they could use floaties, paddle boards, etc to make the kids more confident in the water. Also, I have seen people train their children as early as 3 monthes to swim and they have no fear of the water.

Anyone else have experience with this? If so, what should I look for in their next swimming lessons. I do not think I will do the Y next year.....

[fremontmama]

I dont have any advice, but I remember taking swim lessons at the YMCA when I was a kid and I remember it to be slightly traumatic. The instructors were very tough and there were a lot of us who did cry sometimes. I remember it was the first time I heard someone use the word "garbage" when referring to someone's behavior, as in "I dont want to hear that garbage anymore" I still remember that after 30 years! Crazy.
Maybe since you are a great swimmer you could do your own thing with your kids on the weekend and just have a month of Sundays or something where you have an afternoon at the pool or whatever?.....

[fremontmama]

Im sorry I just noticed you had written you thought you might not be the best choice for teaching them to swim. But maybe that might work, I am sure they would have more fun with you than some mean old teacher

[Evan&Anna's_Mom]

I don't think all Y's are alike in this regard. Both my kids are in their second summer at the Y classes. DS on his own and DD in "toddler/parent class". I have never heard a child cry during all of this time. Rather, the few times I've heard tears they have been comforted by teacher or by parent immediately. For the youngest kids, our Y has a beginning class that parents can get into the water too if it makes it easier. The only times I've seen a child continue in tears is when parents were really forcing them to continue without being comforting. E.g. parent response to tears is "get back in the water and do what your teacher tells you" sort of thing. Then the teachers hands are pretty tied and I always feel sorry for everyone involved. I know that our Y teachs the teachers to let the kids go at their own pace and to make decisions about what they want to do. I'm sorry yours is different.

If you want lessons, you may want to look at some different options and ask very specifically about the policy regarding tears and fears. At least here there are lots of choices -- though some are more expensive than others. Our Y also offers private lessons and maybe with those you would have more control over how your child is handled? I do know that I couldn't teach my kids to swim. I'm not that good and I have a head-under-water phobia, so I'm really not a good role model on this one!

[WonderWild]

This is the 2nd year my ds and I are in the parent/child class at the Y. I have never witnessed any of the older kids crying though when they are in their class which is near us. If you don't feel comfortable with that Y b/c of what happened with your other child I would find a different one or do it yourself. It might be easier for them to learn from someone else. I just say that b/c it's common to hear people saying children act differently with people other than their parents. But then again if you taught them you could just do it at your leisure and not have to ever rush to get to class on time (which I frequently do). Sorry I don't have a straight answer. I think both options are good ones.

[KateMary]

I was a swim instructor at several YMCA's also and we never said any thing even remotely negative to kid, whether it was regarding fear or if they just never got the hang of a particular skill (it was always "good job" no matter what). We would require the parents to leave the pool deck and go to the viewing area away from the lesson so that the kids wern't distracted and focused on the teacher instead of the parent. Sometimes that would make little kids apprehensive but they usually would warm up to the teacher after awhile.

I also went to reluctant swimmer's school when I was young. Yes, that is what it was called. I was very nervous in the water. They used a rewards system and I just had to have a star sewn onto my bathing suit so I dunked my head in and jumped off the diving board. Good thing cause I ended up swimming competitively and became lifeguard and instructor.

[thyme]

There are some fantastic videos called "Diaper Dolphins" which demonstrate very gentle ways to teach your children to swim, and to love it!

Here's a picture of my 3 year old son swimming

I think the videos are out of print -- I got them used from Amazon.com.

Oh -- I just looked up their web site and they have DVDs for sale now! The address is http://www.babyswimming.com/DiaperDolphins.htm and it looks like there is some good info there. Gentleness and sensitivity were key to their philosophy -- this is a quote from their site:

The first three years of a child's life are the most impressionable. What occurs during this critical and formative window of time will have a dramatic effect on the child for the rest of their lives. Swimming is often the first organized activity on their journey of life. As privileged stewards, parents and swim teachers owe it to these budding water babies to make this an uplifting, joyous experience. Our hope is that these children will grow into well adjusted and caring adults, living a fruitful life, contributing to society and our beautiful water planet in a positive way.

I can't say enough good things. I wish all the Ys in the country would cancel their current classes and change to something as enlightened and gentle as Diaper Dolphins.

[YankeeMomInVA]

Funny that you should post this because I was JUST thinking about this very same thing... My ds just turned 2 and dh and I are considering parent/child swim lessons at the Y...

We just spent the weekend in Tennessee with family who have a pool and I felt like I made great progress with ds in terms of getting him comfortable enough with the water that he would jump in from the side of the pool and I would grab him so he didn't go too far under... But I'm at a loss as to how to progress with him especially since we do not have a pool of our own or easy access to one...

I've heard varying experiences with the Y, most being positive, especially so with the parent/toddler class.... We're signing him up for the next session, so I'll surely report back! :-)

Goood luck, though!

[chel]

dd took lessons for 2yrs at the YMCA. dd's last class was 2 instructors and 2 kids. The other dc's family was pressuring the staff to "make" their child go under. The parents were bribbing like crazy. The staff had no intention of making the dc do anything they were afraid of, but did at the insistance of the parents. The instructors worked one on one with the dc and would trade off children when the parents insisted on dunking the other kid.

[alybeans]

I just started Aly in swim lessons at nine months. There were several other classes going on at the same time and I didn't notice any negative behavior coming from the instructors. I'd try to find a new school for your DC or teach them yourself. I think forcing kids to do things they aren't ready for like that will backfire and make them more afraid of the water.

GL.

[lilyka]

The place we take swimming lessons are free to members. It is great because the instructors don't feel pressured to produce results. No one is goung to be asking for the $50 back because hey, it was free. It was great. there were only 5 kids in dds class. One was cluesless, afraid and ust wanted to play. The teacher kept up and what she could and couldn't do and found ways to make her feel like she was making progress, help her become more comfortable in the water and just work with her where she was at without singeling her out for being so far behind the class (it was thier level where kids went from water play to actual swimming. Some were ready for the jump others weren't) and at the end of the class I htink my dd was the only one who advanced to the next level (C). 3 went to B advanced and the one girl had to repeat B but that was Ok. She would just be right where she was next time and her parents weren't out any money. and someone else got to supervise her in the pool twice a week while dad read a book. yay!

I wuold look for somewhere no-pressure like that. the teachers aren't pressured to produce results so they are pressuring the kids for results. which adds up to a fun relaxed class environment where the kids ready to learn can excell and those who aren't ready to learn independant swimming can keep practicing swimming readiness skills like blowing bubles under water.

no one was ever thrown into the pool. no was ever left crying. no one was made to do anything they weren't ready for or didn't feel safe doing. the teacher never said she owuld hold them when she had intentions of letting go.. She didn't make a move without telling them and counting down and such. everything was very safe and supported and the kids really responded to that. they knew that she asn't going to let them drown and therfore the felt brave trying things.

we really need to get back into that.

[SKK]

Originally Posted by fremontmama

I dont have any advice, but I remember taking swim lessons at the YMCA when I was a kid and I remember it to be slightly traumatic. The instructors were very tough and there were a lot of us who did cry sometimes. ....

oh, me too... my cousin and i used to throw fits when my mom and aunt would drag us into the Y!!! :LOL :LOL that being said , I did learn how to swim and loved it! in fact, i went on to swim competitively for 10 yrs, and even held some records at my hs! Although we belong to a fitness center and pool that offers lessons, I'm leaning towards teaching ds's myself, because I look at it as an opportunity to do something together (I work 4 days/week, so I like to look for those opportunities where I can). Why not give it a try yourself and see if it works. You can always go back to the lessons in few months if you feel the kids need it!

good luck,

[Erin+babyAndrew]

some kids are born to love water. my ds is one of these kids. he is not quite 21 months but he jumps into the deep end all by himself (wearing water wings) he holds his breath and goes all the way under the water, he kicks his legs to propel himself around. he is my little fishy
i think early exposure like he had really helps a lot.

[kayakjen]

I've taught for an amazing (not tooting MY horn, but the place I work is great!) swim program with an incredibly gentle and child-centered philosophy (not YMCA's normal red cross stuff) for the last few years that focuses almost completely on water babies 0-3 years. Your question is difficult and as a swim teacher it's tough because parents have different expectations and kids learn so differently.
However, if you have a crying babe, especially a youngish one, I'd recommend that you first look around town and see if you can find a few programs to check out. I definitely believe that it is worth it to check out private swim schools, and each of them, in your area.
That being said, some practical advice-
Swim as much as possible over a 4-8 week period (at least 2x per week) to help a child get used to the water.
Practice pouring water over your child's head during a bath sevearl times.
Develop a cue that you use consistently for your child (especially under 18 mo.) For example, "ready, baby, swim" and then pour water over head, moving towards immersing the child.
Practice pouring water over your child's head during a bath sevearl times.
Do whatever your child likes/feels comfortable with during lessons, no matter what anybody says!
Try giving your child toys in both hands to play with during lessons. This way she can't grab onto you and may be distracted.
If your baby is under 18 mo or so, check out a swim program with warm water (91 degrees F). Sometimes that can make an incredible difference!

I don't know if this will help or even answer your concerns, but some kids who start swimming after 5-6 months will experience a bit of anxiety when beginning classes. Depending on the amount, it usually fades within weeks to a few months. Let me know if you have any more questions!



Don't

[kiwiming]

Originally Posted by thyme

There are some fantastic videos called "Diaper Dolphins" which demonstrate very gentle ways to teach your children to swim, and to love it!

I went and had a look and learned that it's normal for my 3yo to not want to be on his back - I had no idea! Just as well I never insisted... :

[johub]

I taught my dd1 to swim when she was 2. It was so much fun. I had help from my mom. ( I think it helps to have someone to swim from and to).
We had a pool where we lived and I only had one child at the time so we really took advantage.
I would like to teach my 3 year old now but just dont have the time to devote to it.
I dont think it is really that hard to teach your own child to swim because you know your own child best.
It is certainly very important to have training to teach groups and children of different temperaments and abilities. But I dont think the lack of training is really that big of a setback for a single parent and child.
In fact I taught her to swim 3 times. (because she forgot from summer to summer until she was 4.
As for the tears.
I do think it has as much to do with the parents pressure and expectations as the staff.
Joline

[JayGee]

Our Y swim classes aren't like that at all. DS is currently in the Pike class (nonswimmers). He wears a floatie on his back and they progressively take off more and more until he doesn't need it anymore. They also encourage parents to get in the water too, especially if the children are afraid. I am in the water with DS for at least 1/2 the class.

[Plummeting]

DD took a swim class at 13 months, but it wasn't like that. I personally would not be involved in any class that required me to leave my child with someone who was a stranger to them. Period. I don't care about the kid getting distracted or whatever else. That's total BS, IMO. Kids need to feel safe before they can concentrate on learning, and forcing them to be parentless with an instructor doing things that are scary to them does *not* make them feel safe!

[Melda]

I did a search and found this thread ... DD just started swim lessons on monday ... she did good the first day ... and yesterday she screamed the entire time she was in there. It was killing me ... But this is one thing i feel she has to learn being we have a pool and we are on a lake. All i can think of is that it is better to let her cry than to die right? MY ds is a fish and knows how to open the gate to the pool (suppose to be childproof) and open the doors to the outside so I have taken other procautions but when he has it mastered then she is not safe because she follows him around everywhere. I hope i dont get flamed for this but it is one thing i have to go against the belief of not letting them CIO.

[rmzbm]

I think your best bet would be teaching her yourself. Forcing a kid who is scared is counterproductive at best.