2 Answers
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Although some kids can swim at young ages, I think that 3 is still a little young. Giving up swimming lessons until age 4-6 is not disastrous. There will probably still be some reluctance later to put their head under water, but swim teachers usually have tried and true methods to encourage kids with this step. There is also a certain amount of peer pressure at later ages, and the motivation to want to swim independently is stronger. I am definitely in favor of having all kids learn to swim. Years ago, my daughter was motivated to " go down the bat pole" underwater during her swim lessons. The kids took turns holding onto the pole and going under water -- modeled after Batman -- which was popular at that time. This was an ingenious way to get kids to go completely under water. It took bravery, but the kids were triumphant in the end. I am sure that swim teachers today have new " tricks" of the trade to lessen water fears. Trying another round of swim lessons in a year or two will probably work just fine.
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Similar to Suzanne, my suggestion is to change it up. Either relax, take a break for awhile and try again later - what's the "deadline" anyway, right? The goal is just that she learns, not learns TODAY. Or, try a different pool / instructor / try without parents there. Sometimes parents (lke, say learning to drive stick or ski from a significant other) can introduce or sustain a less helpful dynamic which someone new and unassociated with this thing might be able to completely sidestep. The new person may also have some approach that, surprise!, just completely clicks.
