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Sherry Davey
Our six year old is enrolled in swimming classes this summer. She can swim. She does what we call 'the advanced doggie' - as she's very quick. However, the strokes allude her at the moment. While the other kids are at least attempting the strokes in class my daughter is just slapping the surface. She's still not crazy about getting her face wet....so this is a problem.
I have an aunt who is 72 and still doesn't wash her face. She apparently never liked swimming either. So this phobia of 'face wetting' obviously runs in the family. As soon as it happens Lily screams out, "My eyes, my eyes!" Like they've just been doused with acid. It's very dramatic.
It sounds funny but these histrionics are really frustrating her teacher. I've had many discussions with Lily about her behavior and I've even threatened to throw away her collection of Madeline videos but that has not worked. What should I do?????
frustrated,
poolside
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i think it's been almost a month since we heard from you!
what's up?
victoria
I HATED having my face wet too...7 years of swimming lessons down the drain...one year i made it to intermediate but then the teacher said i had to go back to beginner after 2 weeks. a few years ago i was touring the YMCA that i planned to join, we walked into the pool area and i suddenly couldnt breathe, it took me a few seconds to realize that the warm humid chlorinated air gave me a panic attack.
My parents bought a house with a pool, the pool only got used when i had friends over, sometimes i would join them and doggy paddle.
i like the beach now, i'll even get my face wet, i actually LOVE to body surf! but god help me if my face gets wet and i cant stand...instapanicattack...really if my face gets wet, i have to wipe it with my hand or i can't open my eyes, even in the shower
so please dont force your daughter to do anything shes not ready to. who cares how frustrated her teacher is!