Your child may cry during the lesson and there could be many reasons. Rest assured that your child is being nurtured during the swim class and that your child is not being harmed or frightened by the teacher. It is important to remember that everyone involved wants the same result: safer children in the water.
Even if your child is crying during the lesson, being in the water is still beneficial since there is learning taking place simply by being in the environment.
There could be a separation anxiety, especially in ages 2-3. As a parent, if you expect separation anxiety, we suggest that you join us in the class! This will show your child that it is safe and that you trust us. This will also provide for a better understanding of the learn-to-swim process as you create a new bond with your child in the water!
However, if a parent or caretaker is unable to join the class, we suggest that you remain out of the child’s direct view so that the teacher can begin to build the trust necessary with your child to ensure a positive and successful experience as your child becomes safer in the water.
It should also be noted that often times your child may not cry at all during the first class, but may cry during the second and third class. This is due to the first class being new and once it is over, child is back with mommy or daddy. The second class, your child sees that he is going back to the stranger again. This explains the importance of continuing with the classes on a regular basis so that teacher and child are able to build a trust between themselves, resulting in a positive experience as your child becomes safer in the water.
