Do I change swim classes - prob with other child?

[Amaunet]

My DS1 (4) has recently started swimming lessons (approx 3 months). He spent the first month crying and crying just thinking about going to lessons. Then a friend put her son H in our class (4 kids total) , things improved dramatically and he gained confidence. H missed a few lessons due to holidays/illness etc but DS continued to improve and even have fun! Sometime we would have other kids in the class who were having "make up" classes etc. Now H has now gone up to the next level and last week a new boy joined. He was boisterous, splashed everyone, didn't listen and was generally a pain in the a$$ for the teacher and the other parents watching. Except this boys mum who just ignored him. This boy really unsettled DS and he seemed to take pleasure in upsetting him by splashing a jostling. DS felt unsafe and he cried for the first time in ages.

My dilemma is whether to move DS to a different class? Or does he need to learn to deal with kids like this? He is a fairly confident kid most of the time, but swimming is a challenge for him iykwim.

[wysiwyg]

I would wait a few more lessons and see what happens, problem is you could move and encounter someone else like this, I would hope that if the boys behavior is sustained over several lessons that the teacher would try a different strategy/speak to the parent etc. If your DS likes/gels with this teacher I would be especially reluctant to change, as from what have seen/heard how little ones get on has a lot to do with the teacher. In the ones DD goes to, ofen a they end up in pairs, so get situation where they are not left on their own with other pair IYKWIM, so if yours works like that maybe could ask if is paired so not on own with boisterous child.

[~Hestia~]

I would also wait and see. We had this happen with our 4 year old this term, after a couple of lessons the other boy settled in and in turn my guy went back to enjoying lessons.

[black_rose]

I would wait too, I have noticed that it takes kids who have moved a few weeks to settle into the routine and get used to the teacher.

[BlackCat]

We often have kids come into our class. Wait it out and see if 1 they stay and 2 if the behaviour continues, then have a chat with your teacher and see what they can do to help.

[Olive]

I would speak to the centre manager....they can address the issues with the other mum, you're paying for lessons too and continuous behaviour like that isn't fair on anyone, is the child ever disciplined by the teacher?
(I'm a swimming teacher too)

[Tinks]

There was a kid like that in my son's swimming lesson. It wasn't long before he was moved to private lessons because of his behaviour.

[danita]

There was a kid like that in my son's swimming lesson. It wasn't long before he was moved to private lessons because of his behaviour.

[luna moth]

I had this issue too, but the problem was even worse because it was my friend's child causing the problem. I changed classes to get around it without making my friend feel awkward.

But in your case, I'd talk to the swim school. They can talk to the mum about ways to make it better.

[Jaycee]

Agree with Olive, if the behaviour continues, speak with the teacher or management.