2 1/2 year old afraid of swimming?

Question

I have a 2 1/2 year old and he LOVES the water, will play on the steps of our (in-ground) pool but will not go any further. He won't even let me or my husband carry him out into the water. He's never fallen in or anything else that could be traumatizing in that matter. He loves taking baths, he just will not go out into the water. Any ideas on how to coax him out. FYI-we do not pressure him at all. We ask if he wants to come out, but we don't push the issue.

Answer 1

mabye you should force him and show him that its OK. And you wouldent let anything happen to him.

Answer 2

I think that you should show him that your having loads of fun in the area you want him to try. It may take a while but it could work! hope this helps!

Answer 3

You are doing the right thing. Don't pressure him.  It will come naturally.  Maye not until next summer, but it will happen.  Relax and enjoy what he enjoys right now.

Answer 4

I think it's good you are not pushing him.  My sister would push me, and try all kinds of ways to get me out in the deep.  I never learned to swim, until I was doing it on my own, in my comfort zone, at about age 16.  Yes I was about 16 years old before I swimmed, and I was doggy paddling.

I have an idea though.  Mabye you can let him watch cartoons and things like that, about swimming.

Answer 5

I'd just let him be.  It's great that you don't pressure him.  He's still so young, perhaps next year he'll be ready to venture a bit farther.  He may also be ready for beginner swim lessons at 3 years old, so until then, I would just wait until he's ready.

Answer 6

well tell him it will be ok and that u wont let him go tell him it is just like taking a bath but bigger  

Answer 7

Just let him play on the steps. Next summer try and take him out into the water.  

Answer 8

its good not to pressure  him to go in the water tell him that your are going to be there and wont let go. that its just like taking baths if he plays with toys while taking a bath you should try putting some of his toys in the pool to get him to want to go in ^_^