DS7 used to love swimming classes when he was like 18 months old. When he was around 4 years old, I tried to teach him to really swim. He cried and cried and refused to let go of me. Since then, once a year we try to get someone to teach him to swim. One year it was a lovely bubbly mom friend teaching him in a tiny pool. One year it was a group lesson with friends taught by a cool and fun college kid. DS always clings to the wall and just refuses to let go. He reports to everyone that he is afraid and there doesn't seem to be anything that can break through this fear. I've tried offering a bribe too. He is not interested. He has missed birthday parties and fun trips to water parks because he is so afraid of the water. (He wanted to go to those things so badly but just cried that he was too afraid.)
Any advice?
