You keep your child motivated for swimming lessons by making sure they have clear goals, set routines and, above all, lots of positive experiences in the water. Small rewards, looking back together on what went well and a realistic pace will help keep motivation. If a group lesson is too busy or difficult, a different lesson format or location, such as swimming lessons in a smaller group or private lessons, can make a big difference. In Amsterdam and Amstelveen, there are various options to make learning to swim a better fit for your child, so that swimming lessons become fun and achievable again.
Already notice that your child struggles with motivation. Then take a look at our swimming lessons for children in Amsterdam or Amstelveen, where we pay a lot of attention to fun and personal guidance.
If your child no longer feels like swimming lessons
Most children start swimming lessons enthusiastically. New swimwear, a big pool and the idea of a diploma. But after a few months, it becomes ordinary for many children. The lessons are tiring, it takes a long time to get a diploma and sometimes your child feels insecure in the group.
You might hear things like:
- "I don't feel like swimming lessons."
- "I'm always last in line."
- "It's too cold, too busy or too difficult."
In this article, you will get practical tips on how to keep your child motivated. We look at the causes of falling motivation, what you as a parent can do and when it is smart to change the type of swimming lessons, for example to private swimming lessons in Amsterdam or Amstelveen.
1. Understand why your child is less motivated
Motivation sometimes sinks after the first few months
In the beginning, swimming lessons are new and exciting. Later, it becomes routine. Your child will notice that it can take quite a long time to get a diploma. Lessons are also intensive: lots of repetition, technical practice and waiting for the rest of the group. This is quite a challenge for young children.
Fatigue and busy schedule
Many children in Amsterdam and Amstelveen have full schedules with school, childcare, sports and play dates. If swimming lessons fall exactly at a time when your child is already tired, such as after school, resistance can be increased. Sometimes it's not the swimming lesson itself, but simply the hustle and bustle around it.
Uncertainty or anxiety in the group
Another reason could be insecurity. Your child may see that others progress faster, or find it exciting to practise in the deep end. In a large group, there is less time to discuss this calmly. Then it becomes easier to say "I don't feel like it", while "I don't dare to do this yet" is actually closer to the truth.
2. Make swimming lessons a fixed and predictable routine
Children feel safe with predictability. A clear swimming lesson routine helps to have less discussion and struggle on the day.
- Choose a fixed time if possible, e.g. always the same day and time.
- Make a simple schedule visible to your child. For example, a weekly calendar showing swimming lessons.
- Use a set ritual around swimming lessons: pack your bag, have some food, go to the pool, then a little moment together.
The less swimming lessons feel like "something extra" that can still be discussed, the easier it will be to maintain motivation.
3. Keep swimming lessons fun
Swimming is hard work, but it can also be fun. If your child has fun in the water, the motivation to continue is much greater.
Adding playful elements
Ask your child what exercises or moments he or she likes. Is it looking underwater, diving for packages or going through a hoop. Name this and give attention to it as a "favourite part". At home, you can work with small games in the bath or shower, such as fishing objects out of a tub of water or blowing bubbles in the water.
A boyfriend or girlfriend in the same class
For many children, it helps enormously if they attend swimming lessons with a friend. The journey there is more sociable and in class they feel less alone. If your child swims at Zwemclub ABC, you can always discuss whether there are possibilities to come together with someone in the same group.
Small rewards and symbols
You don't have to reward every lesson with gifts, but small symbols can help. Think stickers on a card after each lesson, a special drink afterwards or agreeing to do something fun together after five good lessons. The important thing is that you reward for effort, not just for results.
4. Set achievable short- and long-term goals
A swimming certificate is a nice end goal, but for a child it can feel far away. Therefore, make short-term goals as well.
- Short goals: for example, "This month I want to learn to go across without a board" or "I want to dare to float on my back".
- Long goals: e.g. "Diploma A first, then we will calmly see if we move on to B".
Discuss together what is a good goal. If in doubt, you can also coordinate this together with the swimming teacher, for example at our Children's swimming lessons in Amsterdam or Amstelveen. This way you can be sure that goals match your child's level.
5. Dealing with fatigue and busyness around swimming lessons
If your child is often tired before swimming lessons, it may express itself as "not feeling like it". Therefore, look at the circumstances as well.
- Provide a light snack for swimming lessons, such as fruit or a sandwich, so your child does not enter the water on an empty stomach.
- Don't plan too much just before or after class. A little rest beforehand makes a lot of difference.
- Watch the time. Sometimes a lesson on another day or time is more manageable than immediately after a long school day.
In some cases, a different form of lesson is more convenient. For example, a shorter, more intensive period in a holiday with turbro swimming lessons in Amsterdam, so that your child can make quick strides and spend less time in the pathway. Do pay close attention to whether the intensity suits your child.
6. Extra help if your child is insecure or anxious
Uncertainty and fear have a great impact on motivation. A child who is afraid of deep water or going underwater will have less appetite for swimming lessons, no matter how good the rewards are.
Recognise the signs
Note if your child:
- regularly cries before or after class;
- many complain of stomach ache on swimming lesson day;
- always wants to stay in the shallows and won't let you go;
- panicky reaction to water in the face or going under head.
Consider another form of swimming lesson
If it is mainly anxiety, even more pressure is often counterproductive. A calm, personalised approach can then help. At private swimming lessons in Amsterdam or private lessons in Amstelveen your child receives 1-on-1, 1-on-2 or 1-on-4 counselling. There is more time to discuss feelings and build up the exercises in smaller steps. This often removes a lot of tension and makes room for new motivation.
7. Work with the swimming school
You are not alone. The swimming instructors see your child week after week and often have a lot of experience with children who are less motivated.
- Express honestly how your child talks about swimming lessons at home.
- Ask for tips on exercises that will give your child self-confidence.
- Consult on another group or teaching format if the current group does not fit.
At Swimming Club ABC, we like to think with you. Whether that is for regular swimming lessons in Amsterdam/Amstelveen or a customised route with private or turbo lessons.
8. What can you as a parent do to strengthen motivation
As a parent, you have a big influence on how your child experiences swimming lessons. Not by taking over everything, but by being a supportive presence.
- Show that you care about swimming for safety and freedom, especially in a city with a lot of water.
- Name stakes rather than just results. For example, "You did really well on your supine today".
- Don't compare your child to others. Each child learns at their own pace.
- Stay consistent. Swim lessons are not a choice that is up for discussion every week, but an agreement that you entered into together.
- Discuss progress together. Ask regularly, "What can you already do that you couldn't do before?"
Being involved in this way makes your child feel supported. This gives energy to keep going, even when things are sometimes tough.
9. When is it time for a reset or trial lesson
Sometimes you come to the conclusion that the current situation really isn't working anymore. Your child keeps crying, there is a lot of fighting and motivation only sinks further. Then a fresh start at a different group or a different type of swimming lesson can help.
A good way to test this low-key is a trial lesson. Your child can feel the atmosphere, get to know the instructor and you can see how lessons are taught. Through our website, you can easily book a request a trial lesson in Amsterdam or Amstelveen.
Conclusion: motivation grows through understanding, structure and the right teaching format
Keeping your child motivated for swimming lessons is a combination of good listening, clear agreements and an appropriate form of swimming lesson. By understanding why your child is less keen, you can make targeted changes to the routine, the atmosphere or the lesson itself. Sometimes a small adjustment is enough, sometimes a switch to, for example private swimming lessons in Amsterdam or any other group in Amstelveen the best solution.
What remains: learning to swim is important for your child's safety and freedom, especially in a region with lots of water. With the right support and approach, almost every child can work step by step, at their own pace, towards a swimming certificate and fun in the water.
Take a positive step for your child now
See that your child's motivation for swimming lessons is waning. Then don't wait until it gets completely stuck. Look together at what type of lesson best suits your family. On our website, you will find more information on swimming lessons for children in Amsterdam, turbro swimming lessons and private swimming lessons. Would you like to meet first. Then request a trial lesson to and find out how your child experiences the atmosphere and approach.