My son who is 4, suffers from social anxiety, strange places and strange people terrify him. He's seen many specialists, had him in daycare for a while as thats what was suggested i try, which took a huge toll on him and me, towards the end he did have some very small improvements, but it was a struggle.
Anyway my question is, i would love to get him into swimming lessons, he loves the water and i have taught him the basics of swimming, but im not a professional swim teacher and he would benefit from actual lessons. Problem is with his social anxiety getting him to go anywhere near a strange person is mission impossible, he would just go into a total meltdown. I could introduce him to a swim teacher before hand, but it takes him weeks to months before hes comfortable with a person.
Has any other mums been in a similar situation, or even if you haven't what would you do in this situation?
Swimming lessons for child with severe social anxiety
Swimming lessons for child with severe social anxiety
Posted in:
Kids
4 Replies
I paid for private lessons with my son. The teacher didn't go near him for weeks. It was me and my son in the pool the teacher was just telling me what to do. I gave the swimming instructor my sons favourite treats to keep with her. Over time she was able to take over the classes but he was still learning stuff it was just me doing as she told me to.
Yep totally agree. Let it just be you and your son with the instructor telling you what to do.
Post on your local Facebook community pages (buy swap sell etc), asking for recommendations for private swim teachers.
The one on one class may benefit you.
Do research on swim schools that fit your needs.
Ask the local community who they use.
I was an instructor who specialised this area.
You need an instructor who fully understsnds your childs needs.
You don't want it take months to get him used to someone then that one day is pushed beyond his limits and you are back to day one.
Maybe do a last lesson of the day. So when he is confidant you can keep him going.
Last thing you want is him doing an awesome lesson then his time is over and he is pushed out of the water.
You get in with him let him warm up to the instructor.
The mummy type instructors are great.
But note...sometimes it feels like a total waste, but that one day it all clicks and the rest is history.