[Nice to meet you] To parents of children who cry at swimming lessons or struggle with group instruction
Nice to meet you.
We are "Swim Partners," a service providing personalized swimming lessons tailored to each child's pace in the Tokyo and Kanagawa areas.
Unlike typical swimming schools, we specialize in "complete one-on-one instruction" for children with delicate concerns, such as:
"Being afraid of the water and unable to put their face in"
"Feeling overwhelmed by the atmosphere of group instruction"
"Not fitting into an environment where they are compared to other children"
We specialize in providing "complete one-on-one instruction" for children with such delicate concerns.
In this note, we will share tips to support parents with such concerns and help bring out your child's "I did it!" moments.
"Other children are moving up levels, but my child..."
"Lately, they don't seem to be enjoying the pool..."
Are you feeling this way and worrying alone about your child's extracurricular activities, especially swimming school?
That feeling comes from your desire for your child's growth. As professional instructors, we receive consultations from many parents every day and empathize with you deeply.
In group swimming schools, because many children are watched simultaneously according to a curriculum, results like "promotion tests" and "comparisons with others" inevitably become more noticeable.
That environment can sometimes dampen a child's motivation.
Are you using these kinds of "phrases" while thinking of your child?
Words you say with good intentions might actually be lowering your child's self-esteem.
NG phrases 👎
"So-and-so can already do it, so why can't you?"
"You're great because you passed the test" or "It's not good that you failed"
Phrases we recommend 👍
"You can do XX now that you couldn't do before! (The person to compare them to is their past self)"
"You were nervous, but you didn't give up and did your best until the end! (Praise the process, not the result)"
If your child seems to be "feeling down because they are comparing themselves to others," it is most important to first accept their feelings by saying things like "That's frustrating" or "You want to catch up, don't you," and then create a safe space for them by telling them, **"It's okay to go at your own pace. Mom (Dad) is always watching over you."**
That said, it is difficult to have your child receive special attention in a group setting...
Many parents likely feel this way.
Even if you want to consult with the coach, it is often too busy before and after lessons to find the time.
Time just keeps passing without knowing the root cause of why your child is "afraid of the water..."
Swim Partners was created specifically to solve those "worries."
The personal lessons we provide do not "force your child to fit" into a group instruction curriculum.
We adapt professional instruction to "each child's individual characteristics and pace."
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For children afraid of water...
To remove the fear of having water on their face, we start slowly with a sense of play, such as "breath-holding bubbles" that can be done in the bath, or exercises to relax underwater.
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For children who struggle with groups...
We start by building a one-on-one relationship of trust with the coach. In an environment where they feel "safe because I'm with the coach," they accumulate small success experiences of "I did it!" and nurture their self-esteem.
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For children who stumble on specific techniques...
A professional identifies why they cannot do it (e.g., timing of breathing, tension in the body) and provides specific guidance using words that suit that child.
Swimming is inherently a very fun sport, and it also becomes a "skill to protect oneself" for your child.
If your child is currently starting to dislike swimming, it might just be that "the environment is not a good fit."
I hope this article lightens your heart even a little and becomes a catalyst for finding the right support for your child.
In this note, I will be sharing:
・Specific tips for "getting used to water" that you can do at home
・"Magic words" to bring out your child's motivation
・Talks on "non-cognitive skills" of children who excel in swimming
We also plan to share information on these topics.
Please follow us and stay tuned for the next article!
▼ If you are thinking, "I would like to consult about my child's case as well"
Please take a look at our official website first.
We also accept requests for trial lessons tailored to each individual's situation at any time.