My 5 year old is scared of swimming. help?!?

Question

my son is 5 yrs old. he loved water and the pool when he was a baby. at age 2 he loved to jump off the ledge into the water. right before he turned 3, he was sitting on the edge of the pool and my boyfriend pushed him in. he panicked and since then has been terrified of the pool and getting his head wet. i have tried everything over the last 2 years..... swimming lessons, encouragement, everything! he's still terrified. he now sees his friends swimming and is upset he can't join them. i'm at my wits end at what to do.

anyone had this problem? please help me!!!

Answer 1

It is really a common reaction for a little one to be frightened.   Example, I have seen babies beginning to walk and a relative takes a flash photo and the baby did not walk again for 10 weeks.  Fear is easy to instill in a child.  I think someone other than you should talk with your little boy that if he relaxes he can swim. Do NOT tell him there is nothing to fear.  He knows better!   Be honest with him and help him to understand "relax" by just the two of and show him what relax means.  That is after someone has talked to him about relaxing.  In fact, I bet your child will be excited about the word "relax."  You know how curious the mind of  a child is.  Do not try to shame him or  make a big deal out fear of the pool.   He will grow back into a love of the water.  Good luck.