Why do children cry?

Swimming lessons are a fun and exciting way for young children to learn a new skill and stay active. However, it’s not uncommon for children to cry or protest before their swimming lessons. In this blog post, we’ll explore the reasons behind these behaviours and what parents and caregivers can do to help their child feel more comfortable in the water.
Fear of the Unknown
One of the main reasons young children may cry or protest before swimming lessons is fear of the unknown. If a child has never been in a pool before, they may be nervous or scared about what to expect. They may not understand what will happen during the lesson, or they may be afraid of the water.
To help ease this fear, parents and caregivers can talk to their child about what will happen during the lesson. They can explain that the instructor will teach them how to swim and that they will be safe in the water. It can also be helpful to take the child to the pool before their lesson so they can get familiar with the environment and feel more comfortable.
Separation Anxiety
Another reason young children may cry or protest before swimming lessons is separation anxiety. If the child is not used to being away from their parent or caregiver, they may become upset when they have to go into the water with the instructor.
To help ease separation anxiety, parents and caregivers can gradually introduce their child to being away from them. They can start by leaving the child with a trusted family member or friend for short periods of time and gradually increase the time as the child becomes more comfortable.
Discomfort with Water
Finally, young children may cry or protest before swimming lessons if they are uncomfortable with the water. They may not like the sensation of getting wet, or they may be afraid of putting their face in the water.
To help ease discomfort with water, parents and caregivers can start by introducing the child to water in a safe and controlled environment. They can begin with small amounts of water, like a bathtub or a small kiddie pool, and gradually increase the amount of water over time. Parents and caregivers can also play games with the child in the water to make it more fun and engaging.
In conclusion, young children may cry or protest before swimming lessons for a variety of reasons, including fear of the unknown, separation anxiety, and discomfort with water. To help ease these behaviours, parents and caregivers can talk to their child about what to expect during the lesson, gradually introduce their child to being away from them, and start with small amounts of water in a safe and controlled environment. With patience and practice, children can learn to love swimming and enjoy the many benefits it has to offer.