05/15/2026
Alright mamas (and dads) — this post is for those of you whose child did NOT start swim lessons loving the water. 💙
Earlier this week I posted a happy reel from the start of our season. And yes, all the kids in those photos looked happy and excited to be in the pool… but the reality is, swim lessons do not always start out that way.
This photo is of my daughter a couple years ago when she was learning how to swim. She absolutely hated the water and hated swim lessons at first. I don’t post photos of other people’s kiddos crying, but I will share my own because I think it’s important for parents to see that this is NORMAL.
The crying, fear, and anxiety do not last forever. It gets better.
Once we get over that hump and they begin gaining confidence, that’s when they start loving the water and swimming like little fish. 🐠
This is my youngest of three, and honestly, all three of my kids screamed during their first lessons. You can even ask some of our instructors who had them in class back then… they’ll tell you! 😂 My kids definitely did not represent me well at first.
But because I’ve been through this process thousands of times over the years, I knew the tears were temporary. I knew that one day they would become happy, confident, and safe swimmers.
And now? My little girl in this photo is 3 years old and swims across the entire pool multiple times, dives to the bottom for toys, can roll onto her back for air or pop up for air, and keeps right up with big brother and big sister! The pool is now her favorite place, and she would swim every single day if she could. 💦
My hope is that this post encourages at least a few families whose child may be struggling in swim lessons right now.
Keep praising the small victories. Keep encouraging them. Hang in there.
We’ll get over the hump soon, and you’ll be well on your way to having a happy, confident swimmer. 💙