Swimming lessons for toddlers....... to do or not?

Hi Ladies

Thanks for all your support. I cancelled the swimming lessons immediately. I never even bothered to ask her for a refund. My child's self-respect and self-esteem is far more important than all the money in the world.

I will not recommend Lindsay to anybody. She definitely needs to do something about her anger issues..... It's also sad to see how her passion turned into coldness.

I just feel so sorry for all the other kids that's currently being abused.

Hi ladies. I just wanted to mention that I take my daughter to Tots Afloat in Edgemead. We started when she was 18 months and we've been going for two years now. She LOVES LOVES LOVES her swimming classes. Initially we were in a group where the moms swim with their little ones, and then around 2 they go into lessons where there are two children and the teacher. Their approach is very gentle, and it is all about water safety rather than swimming. Lots of singing, and fun games in the water. You can contact Sueann on 084 4331801. I recommend them HIGHLY. My daughter is three and a half, and at the end of last year she managed to swim a length of the swimming pool - coming up for air three times with a big grin on her face each time. I was so proud!!

Hi festive

So sorry to hear about your bad experience I never took emily back there, just caled it quits.

About a month or 2 back lindsay actually called me because someone had alerted her to this post. She basically told me that I was a liar and should remove my post.

So, I am glad that u posted ur experience here. It really is not right to treat children (or anyone) that way.

Emily was terrified of the water after our 2 lessons, she refused to go anywhere near a pool. She would stand on the other side of the fence while we swam This summer, more than a year later, she FINALLY got back into the water and is now happy to swim with her 'wings'. I will be getting someone to come to the house and teach her with me in the pool.

Good luck with ur daughter and hope all ended well.

Thanks Gloeiwurmpie

I am going to ask my daughter tonight if she wants to go back to Lindsay or not. If she don't want to go I am not going to force her. If she wants to go back I am going to speak to Lindsay and tell her that I am not happy with the way she loses her temper etc.

If I go the legal way I can go to the small claims court to get my money back. Seeing that she is abusing the children I have a foot to stand on......

Hi festive,

wow. I would have freaked out and told the lady to treat my child with respect. I HATE it when people treat children like some unimortant insect that you can dangle by the arm. She might be a good teacher, but in my book it is never okay to treat any other human being by pulling by the arm against their will. I see this as physical abuse. Shocking. I don't know if you have any legal foot to stand on to get your money back.

I had a similiar incident at my daughters playschool and had to write off about R2000.

Hi Flowergirl

I know this is an old topic, but I would like to know what you decided eventually and how things turned out for you. I took my daughter to Lindsay , she is 7 years old. After the third lesson Lindsay really freaked me out. She lost her temper, screamed at my child and then pulled her arm so hard that she ended up crying. I mean its very scary to jump in from the deep side and swim across the pool, lift up your head etc. I also paid her in full and now I am ever sorry I did. I am not sure if I must continue.... or go somewhere else.

Let me know what you decided.

Thanks NicoleP