The Not Happy Chappy in Swim Lessons — And How to Help

 

At Hampton Swim School, we know that not every swim lesson starts with smiles and excitement — and that’s okay! Many swimmers go through a phase where they become anxious, upset, or simply refuse to get in the water. This can be tough for parents, but rest assured — with patience, consistency, and our support, your child can learn to love the water again.

 

 

 

Why Your Child Might Be Upset

There are many reasons why a swimmer might be feeling unsettled, such as:

• New surroundings – A new pool, teacher, or routine can feel overwhelming.
• Developmental changes – As kids grow, they become more aware of their surroundings and can develop new fears.
• Separation anxiety – Being apart from Mum or Dad can trigger tears, especially for younger swimmers.
• Tough days – Sometimes, it’s just an off day, and that’s okay.
• The Unknown – Children don’t know what they don’t know; they learn by doing and doing new things can be scary.

 

Tips for Parents to Help Your Swimmer Adjust

Here’s how you can support you’re Not Happy Chappy during lessons:

Stay calm and consistent
Kids pick up on your emotions. A calm and positive attitude reassures them that swimming is safe and fun.

Create a routine
Pack the swim bag together at home as an activity, arrive a little early, and even bringing a familiar toy can help your swimmer feel more secure.

Trust your teacher
Our teachers are trained to work through tricky moments with patience and understanding. Sometimes stepping back and allowing the teacher to take the lead helps your child build trust and confidence.

Celebrate the small wins
Clapping for a splash, a kick, or even just sitting on the step helps your child feel proud of their progress — no matter how small. We want you to celebrate everything, even as simple as being in the pool.

Stay consistent with lessons
Taking breaks can sometimes prolong the adjustment period; stopping lessons can reinforce that a swimmer was right to feel scared. The more familiar swimming becomes, the quicker your child will settle in.

Remember — This Is Not Forever

Almost all swimmers have some nerves or tentativeness at some point. With time, encouragement, consistency, and positivity these swimmers will transition into confident, happy swimmers who can’t wait for their next lesson.

So next time there are a few tears at the pool, take a deep breath, trust the process, and remember — their comfort and confidence will come.