Swimming

Hi all,

My daughter is 7 and is still so afraid to go under water when swimming. She loves to swim and be in the pool and knows how to keep herself afloat but will not go under water no matter what I do. I have tried everything. Any suggestions? She’s starting to get invited to pool parties and doesn’t seem to care that she would prob be the only one not going under but I’d like to get her to a point where she’s at least comfortable being submerged and coming back up on her own. I’m at a loss ?? Anyone else ever go through this with their kids? And anything that helped? I think she’s like this bc she had a bad experience at an old swim class. TIA.

Swimming

They make cute little dive toys that you can reward her for getting.

She might need to see her friends do it and realize she can do it too

Or you might want to look into a private swim instructor

Re: Swimming

I agree
Once she sees her friends doing it and realizing they’re safe she’ll probably try it too

Swimming

If she can swim and it is not a safety issue while being in the pool why would you want to force her to go underwater. Some people just don't like that. My oldest didn't go under for years, I'm going to say probably until she was about 12. Eventually she did but that was her choice not mine. She had no issues going to pool parties or having her friends over to swim. They respected her choice.

Swimming

I wouldn't force her as long as she knows how to swim. I think if she sees her friends doing it more she will be more inclined to do it. I think the worst thing would be forcing her to do it.

Swimming

I agree with others. If she’s able to swim—just in case she accidentally gets dunked—that’s what’s important.
This isn’t an issue IMO and she’ll do it when she’s ready.

Swimming

My DD was the same way until she was permitted to wear goggles - I want to say age 9 or 10. She had gone to safety swim for a long time and they would not let the kids wear goggles. She went to a summer camp that gave lessons and encouraged the use of goggles. She's been going under ever since.

Swimming

My son is a great swimmer but won’t put his head underwater unless he has goggles. This includes in the bath or shower.

Re: Swimming

I wouldn't push the issue. The main objective for learning how to swim is to not drown. If she's comfortable swimming with her head above water, that's the important part. She'll either figure it out on her own, or she'll be OK with never putting her head under the water. Lots of people don't like putting their head underwater.