Help! 3 year old lesson problem?

Question

I am a new swimming instructor at the local pool. This 3 year old kid is in my one on one private lesson. The problem is this kid is super afraid of water, and has to be held above the water at all times. He has an older brother, who is an avid swimmer. During the course of the lesson, the 3 year old often cries out loud and wants to see his brother.

What activities should I do for this 3 year old child? Any suggestion is appreciated!

Answer 1

Hold him securely in the pool and walk around with him. While you're walking around, talk to him. Even if he is screaming, keep talking to him. Ask him questions. What's your favorite color? What do you like to eat? Do you go to pre-school? Do you have a dog/cat/etc.?

Believe it or not, kids that are screaming can still hear and understand your questions. If he hears a question on a topic he's interested in, he will stop crying momentarily. Seize that moment and ask a follow up question immediately even if you don't get an answer. For example:

"Do you have a dog?"

(crying stops for a second)

"What does it look like? Is it big? What color is it? What's its name?"

Eventually, you will have something of a conversation. At that point the child has usually calmed down enough to try and work with you on some skills like kicking or blowing bubbles. If he starts to tear up again, distract him with more questions before he can start actually crying.

Your first few lessons are probably going to be mostly talking to the kid while you walk around in the pool together. It seems like a waste of time, but learning that the pool is a safe place is a very important lesson.

Answer 2

You must use lots of patience, coaxing and psychology on him. Very often one-on-one doesnt work for some individuals who must see and be convinced by success of others their age. So why dont you get 1 or 2 more young kids who are more positive to swim together.

Another point to note is to teach him in waist-high water to lessen his phobia. All the kids should crouch  in a semi-circle and do short breath-holding exercises under-water. Tell them to purse their lips and blow out gently.  Do finger-counting for them underwater-- 10, 15, 20 counts for a start.  The moment you succeed in this, the rest of swimming--front floating, kicking and arm strokes--are relatively easy. Cheers!!

Answer 3

It is simple, instead of trying to get him to swim in a large pool try getting him to swim in a bathtub instead, and try to show him how to float and do stroaks in the tub. and when he gets brave enough try and introduce to a shallow end of the pool.

Answer 4

have him hold on to the edge of the pool and scoot around (as far as you can) just using his hands "walking" himself around. keep him distracted by talking to him. then every once in a while, if he's really comfortable, put a "bridge" and put your arm across so he has to duck under it. if he just won't go, lift your arm up, try again later, if he's clever, he'll put the back of his head in the water and not his face. if he's comfortable, he'll just go under. make sure he has goggles and don't rush him. good luck!