Once toddlers start swimming, they often develop a strong dislike for it. This is likely because they don’t understand the process or find it challenging.
Whether it’s because of their inexperience or just the fact that swimming is so new to them, they often struggle.
In recent years, toddler trends have ranged from being fascinated by the water to hating it. In this article, we will explore why a toddler suddenly hates swimming lessons and what can be done to help them enjoy it.
Table of Contents
Why a toddler suddenly hates swimming lessons?
Swimming lessons have been a part of children’s lives for as long as they can remember. Now that toddlers are starting to learn to swim, there are many reasons why they may suddenly hate it. Below are 10 possible reasons a toddler suddenly hates swimming lessons.
10 Possible Reasons a Toddler Suddenly Hates Swimming Lessons
- They have the fear of water:
Water is one of the most feared things a toddler might have. Some of them are scared to see water in front of them because they feel it’s too liquid to touch their skin.
There are some reasons why toddlers may have the fear of water. Below are some of the reasons they fear water:
-
It can be difficult to stay afloat when in water:
Toddlers need help staying afloat, and often learn this by watching others do it. When they see someone else struggling, they may feel scared and think it’s not going to be easy for them too.
-
Water may contain something harmful:
Toddlers who fear water may also have strong feelings about other things, such as spiders. If they’re worried about anything that could potentially harm them in the water, this will make them enemies of swimming lessons.
- The fear of getting wet.
- The water is cold and the toddler feels uncomfortable in it
- They get bored really fast and it’s just not fun anymore!
- Some toddlers find it difficult to move around the water.
- A toddler may feel overwhelmed by the task of learning to swim and find it difficult to keep up with the other children.
- Some toddlers may not be interested in swimming at all and just enjoy playing in the water.
- They probably do not understand how swimming sport works.
- They may be scared of being scolded by the instructor.
- They might not have the right swimming gear or equipment to swim with.
- They may be struggling with a technique or skill required to swim.
READ ALSO: 10 Important Aquatic Skills You Need to Know
Solution: What can be done to help toddlers enjoy their swimming lessons?
Swimming lessons for toddlers can be a great way to keep them engaged and amused. If you want to help your toddler overcome their initial dislike for swimming, many things can be done to help make swimming lessons more fun for them.
Below are some of the best ways to help toddlers enjoy their swimming lessons.
13 Ways to help Toddlers enjoy their Swimming Lessons
- By creating a fun pool environment, that is; creating a pool experience that allows them to be active and engaged in their swimming lessons.
- By providing encouragement and support for them.
- By ensuring that your child is correctly fit to swim.
- By providing toys and other things that are fun for your toddler to play with.
- By allowing them to have a personal pool at home.
- By providing them with extra fun activities such as water aerobics or water polo.
- By allowing them to take a break from swimming lessons.
- As an instructor, make sure you are providing the right type of lessons.
- By providing your child with the right swimming equipment such as a swim cap, swim goggles, life jacket, arm floats, and swim rings.
- By ensuring that your pool water is safe to swim in.
- By providing supervision during swimming lessons and at all times when your child is in the pool.
- In some cases, a change in environment may be the solution for this toddler.
- Finally, as an instructor, keep in mind that children learn best through experiences and interaction. So be patient and continue to provide quality swim lessons for them.
READ ALSO: 5 Reasons Why A Baby Hates Swimming Lessons and What you can do about it
What are the benefits of helping toddlers enjoy their swimming lessons?
Swimming lessons can be very beneficial for toddlers. Not only do they get to learn how to swim, but they can also develop basic moving skills and coordination.
Below are some benefits of helping toddlers enjoy their swimming lessons:
- Swimming lessons help keep toddlers healthy by increasing their calorie burn and improving their breathing.
- Swimming lessons help toddlers improve their balance and coordination.
- Swimming lessons help toddlers develop a good sense of rhythm, which helps them to be more fluid in their daily life.
- Swimming has the potential to help a toddler learn how to feel comfortable in the water and explore their world.
- Swimming lessons can help improve the child’s swimming skills and confidence.
- If the child is struggling with some techniques, swimming lessons can provide a rewarded environment in which to work on these skills.
- Swimming lessons can also help children learn basic life skills, such as breathing and moving through water.
- Swimming lessons can provide hours of pleasure for toddlers, who often enjoy exploring the water.
- A swimming lesson can provide a great deal of mental stimulation and help the child to become more confident in their abilities.
- Finally, a swimming lesson can be a great time for the child to bond with his/her busy parent(s) or caregiver(s).
READ ALSO: 10 Fantastic Places You can swim
Conclusion
In conclusion, the toddler’s sudden dislike of swimming lessons may be because the toddler feels overwhelmed by the task of learning to swim.
It’s important to be patient with a toddler and help them learn about swimming by taking them out to the pool and showing them how it is done step by step and making sure they are good with one lesson before moving on to another one.
