Private swimming lessons for children with fear of swimming means that your child receives 1-on-1, 1-on-2 or 1-on-4 lessons from a regular swimming instructor in a calm setting. There is plenty of time to take fear seriously and rebuild confidence in the water step by step. The exercises are adapted to your child's pace and character, without pressure from a large group. Especially in a watery environment like Amsterdam and Amstelveen, private swimming lessons help to make fast and safe progress, so that your child can eventually swim relaxed and work towards a swimming certificate.
Looking for a place in the Amsterdam area where your child can start swimming in peace. Then take a look at our private swimming lessons in Amsterdam.
For which children are private swimming lessons with fear of swimming
Not every child feels comfortable in the pool right away. Some children get nervous at the very idea of water in the face. Other children have had an unpleasant experience, such as slipping or unexpectedly going under. For these children, a regular group lesson may be too busy or too fast. Private swimming lessons are then a safe way to still learn to swim.
In Amsterdam and Amstelveen, we encounter many situations such as:
- children afraid to let go or go off the side;
- children who have already stopped swimming lessons because it was too exciting;
- children upset by crowds and noise in a large pool;
- Highly sensitive children who are easily overstimulated.
For all these children, private swimming lessons can reduce stress and actually increase the chances of success.
Why does swimming anxiety arise in children
An exciting experience in or around the water
Many swimming fears start after an exciting moment. For example, your child has unexpectedly slipped, gone under, or ingested a lot of water. Sometimes it may seem like a small incident to adults, but to a child it can feel very big. Your child takes that feeling to the pool.
Too large groups or too many incentives
In large groups, there is less individual attention. A child who is somewhat insecure can quickly feel lost. Lots of noise, splashing and rushing can add to the tension. In such a situation, a child is more likely to clam up than practise.
Pace too fast in class
Some children simply need more time. If the pace in class is faster than your child can handle, there may be a feeling of not being good enough. This causes embarrassment and stress. Swimming then becomes linked to failure rather than fun.
How to recognise swimming anxiety in your child
Swim anxiety is not always very obvious. You may not see tears, but you can feel that your child is blocking. Some signs:
- your child does not want to go to swimming lessons or keeps complaining of a tummy ache on lesson day;
- your child sticks in the shallows and won't let go of you;
- there is a lot of resistance to showering, washing hair or water on the face;
- your child is easily startled by splashes or other children nearby;
- after a failed jump or exercise, your child doesn't want to jump at all.
If you recognise several of these signs and things just don't get better, then private swimming lessons are a seriously considerable step.
Why private swimming lessons work so well for swimming anxiety
Full 1-on-1 attention
In private swimming lessons, there is only one focus. Your child. The instructor sees every reaction and can immediately make adjustments. If he or she notices that your child is startled, the exercise can be adjusted immediately. That gives peace of mind and confidence.
Own pace and achievable steps
Children with fear of swimming need clear, small steps. First quietly on the steps with feet in the water. Then sitting on the edge. Then slide down while the instructor holds firmly. And only later loose. In a private lesson, there is enough time for repetition and the next step is only taken when your child is really ready.
A regular, trusted instructor
Trust is very important with anxiety. In a course with private swimming lessons, your child will preferably work with a regular instructor. This makes it easier to tell what is exciting. As a parent, you also then know exactly who to turn to with questions and updates.
Less stimuli, more calm
Private swimming sessions are often scheduled at quieter times in the pool. Fewer children in the water means less noise, less splashing and more overview. For children with swimming anxiety or sensitivity to stimuli, this can really make all the difference.
What does a private swimming lesson for fear of swimming look like
Introduction and trial lesson
Often a course starts with a short introduction and a trial lesson. During such a first moment, the instructor watches:
- How your child reacts to the water;
- what experiences there are already with swimming;
- how big the fear is approximately;
- What type of guidance your child needs.
Would you first like to experience in a low-threshold way how your child reacts to private swimming lessons. Then through our website you can easily make an request a trial lesson.
First phase: becoming water-free
The first lessons focus on becoming water-free. Goals in this phase include:
- be able to enter and exit the water calmly;
- Gaining confidence in the instructor and in the buoyancy of the body;
- practising with splashes, wet hair and water on the face;
- learn that your child may stop or pause if things really get too exciting.
This phase can be short or longer. The most important thing is that your child starts to feel safe.
Next step: basic skills and towards swimming certification
When your child is less anxious and more daring to move in the water, the focus shifts to the basics of learning to swim. Think floating on belly and back, looking underwater, simple jumps and the first strokes. Sometimes a child stays in private lessons for a long time. Sometimes, after a while, they move on to a small group with other children at about the same level.
For many parents, the ultimate goal is for their child to get a swimming certificate. Private swimming lessons can be a great fast track to get a child who has stalled in group lessons back on track, so they can still work safely towards the Swim ABC.
Private swimming lessons for fear of swimming in Amsterdam and Amstelveen
Private swimming lessons in Amsterdam
In Amsterdam, we give private swimming lessons at the Mirandabad. This is a spacious and well-known swimming pool with good facilities for children and parents. Thanks to fixed times and familiar surroundings, your child always knows what to expect. On our page about private swimming lessons in Amsterdam read more about the options and lesson structure.
Private swimming lessons in Amstelveen
If you live closer to Amstelveen, it may be more practical to take lessons nearby. There, too, we offer special courses for children with swimming anxiety. For more information, see the private swimming lessons in Amstelveen. That way, you don't have to travel as long and you keep it manageable for your child and yourself.
Combine with regular classes
Sometimes a short period of private swimming lessons is enough to remove the biggest fears. After that, a child can often move on to a small group. This could be a regular group at our swimming lessons for children in Amsterdam or a similar group in Amstelveen. Together, we look at what suits your child.
What can you as a parent do yourself besides private swimming lessons
The role of parents in swimming anxiety is very important. You do not have to be a swimming teacher to still be able to properly support your child.
- Stay calm and positive: children sense tension immediately. Show that you have confidence in the instructor and in your child.
- Avoid pressure: phrases like "you just have to now" or "don't be such a pain" often increase anxiety.
- Repeat small successes: nominate what went well, however small.
- Practice playfully outside of class: play with water in the bath or shower, with buckets or cups. Keep it light.
By combining private swimming lessons with this support at home, you often speed up the process. Your child then notices that they are not alone, but have a team around them.
Conclusion: a gentle path to swimming confidence
Private swimming lessons for children with fear of swimming are not a luxury but a very practical solution if you find that regular swimming lessons are not working. Through 1-on-1 attention, a calm pace and plenty of space for feelings, your child can regain confidence in the water step by step. This is important in a region with so much water like Amsterdam and Amstelveen.
Whether your child has never taken swimming lessons before or has just stalled in a group, progress is almost always possible with an appropriate private course. Together, we work towards a situation where your child is not only safe in the water, but also enjoys it again.
Take the first step today
Recognise your child in the stories about swimming anxiety. Then don't wait for the fear to get worse. With a gentle start at the Mirandabad in Amsterdam or in Amstelveen, we can do a lot for your child. Read more about our private swimming lessons in Amsterdam or about private swimming lessons in Amstelveen, or schedule an immediate trial lesson. This is how you take your first concrete step towards swimming confidence today.