DS is starting private swimming lessons today & I am so nervous!

We are starting swimming lessons today & I am so nervous! We are doing 6 weeks of 30 minute private lessons. My son is going to cry...I know it! He clings on to me in new situations. I am just hoping that he relaxes & gets used to the instructor over the next 6 weeks.

Any advice? DS is almost 11 months.

Re: DS is starting private swimming lessons today & I am so nervous!

Stay out of his sight - kids tend to cry more and be less willing to try something new if they seem mommy can save them. And just let him cry . THe instructors are used to that.

When I taught I spent about 6 weeks just trying to get a 18 month old over her fear of the water. But by the end of the 6 weeks she was fine. And during the following session we were actually able to do water safety including dunking her under the water!

Re: DS is starting private swimming lessons today & I am so nervous!

I have heard that the first session is the hardest for them, but like anything else he will get used to it.

Good luck!

Re: DS is starting private swimming lessons today & I am so nervous!

My son started at 23 months and CRIED for the first 6 week session. It was heart breaking but for us, stopping the program was not an option. We have an IG Pool and I am not taking any chances.
So he cried for 6 weeks, but after the 6th week he was happy as a clam. He just recently (7 months later) passed his Level 1 Safety and received his ribbon. He loves loves loves his instructor and is doing extremely well.

I was 'banished' to the locker room for the first few weeks so DS wouldn't see me and cry harder.