As parents, it’s exciting when we see our children making strides in their swimming lessons – gliding effortlessly through the water or mastering a new skill. But what happens when your child suddenly seems to take a step back? Or when they hit a plateau, and advancement comes to a halt? It can feel frustrating or even concerning, but the truth is, these moments are completely normal in the journey of learning to swim. Not only are regression and plateaus normal, but they are also essential parts of the learning process. Here’s why.
The Ups and Downs of Learning a New Skill
Learning to swim is a complex process that involves physical coordination, mental focus, and emotional resilience. Just like in school, children learn swimming at their own pace. Along the way, there are bound to be moments when they regress or plateau. Education experts agree that these phases are not only natural but vital to long-term mastery.
Dr. Robert Bjork, a leading researcher in cognitive psychology, coined the term “desirable difficulties” to describe how challenges like plateaus and temporary setbacks help strengthen learning in the long run. He explains that struggling with a skill or concept can feel discouraging in the moment, but it’s during these times that the brain is making deeper connections. According to Bjork, “Conditions that induce difficulties in learning, such as making errors or experiencing setbacks, trigger cognitive processes that ultimately lead to more durable learning.”
In swimming, this can look like a child appearing to lose skills or making slower progress, but beneath the surface, their brain and body are doing the work to solidify and strengthen these abilities for future success. Don’t get discouraged when you see fewer new skills checked off on progress reports – that just means progress is around the corner!
Regression: Taking a Step Back to Move Forward
Regression can happen for a variety of reasons—illness, a long break from the water, or even a sudden growth spurt that changes a child’s sense of balance and coordination. In these cases, children may momentarily “forget” skills they had already mastered or may struggle with ones that once came easily. It’s not uncommon at all to see progress reports with skills unchecked that were checked off in previous months.
Rather than a setback, regression is often a way for the brain and body to recalibrate. As Dr. Judy Willis, a renowned neurologist and educator specializing in learning and the brain, explains, “Regression is a natural and important part of learning. It often indicates that the brain is revisiting and reorganizing prior knowledge to make room for deeper understanding and long-term mastery.” Sometimes, regression is the body and mind’s way of processing new information before taking the next step forward. This recalibration period, though frustrating, is essential to allow the body to fully integrate previously learned skills and adapt to the child’s growth or new physical capabilities.
What can you do? Be patient and offer encouragement. Continue attending lessons regularly, recognizing that moving through perceived setbacks is crucial in allowing the learning process to continue. Instructors at Pikes Peak Athletics are dedicated to guiding swimmers through these phases and will help reinforce previously learned skills while introducing new ones.
Plateaus: The Calm Before the Breakthrough
Hitting a plateau can be equally frustrating for both parents and children. It may feel like a child is putting in the effort without making new progress. However, plateaus are often the “calm before the breakthrough.”
During a plateau, your child is doing the important work of gaining confidence, perfecting technique, and building muscle memory. These plateaus are essential for long-term mastery. Dr. Carol Dweck, a leading expert on motivation and learning, encourages us to embrace these periods of slow growth. Her research on growth mindset shows that, “Learning isn’t about immediate success or failure but about the willingness to persist through challenges.”
As Dweck points out, “Effort is the key to unlocking your potential.” Your child may not seem to be progressing, but behind the scenes, they are solidifying their understanding, reinforcing motor skills, and building the resilience they’ll need to succeed as they move through our program.
As with regression, your role as a parent is to stay supportive. Avoid focusing solely on measurable milestones like moving up a level or checking off skills on their progress report. Instead, celebrate the small wins: their increasing comfort in the water, improved endurance, or the way they confidently try new skills.
The Power of Patience and Consistency
Both regression and plateaus are part of the natural ebb and flow of learning to swim. By maintaining a positive outlook and focusing on the long-term benefits of swim lessons – confidence, safety, and a lifelong love of the water – you can help your child feel supported and motivated.
Remember that learning to swim is a journey, not a race. Every child progresses at their own pace, and those inevitable moments of regression or plateau are often followed by tremendous growth. Trust the process, stay consistent, and celebrate your child’s dedication, no matter how small the step forward may seem!
At Pikes Peak Athletics, we believe in supporting each swimmer on their unique path, and we’re here to help guide your child through every phase – whether they’re cruising along, plateauing, or temporarily stepping back. We’re proud to be a part of their swimming journey!
Jaecie Montgomery | Program Operations Manager