Playing in the water is plenty of fun! However, outside of bathtime, some kids are not a fan.
Swimming is an important life skill that should be enjoyable. We swim at birthdays, at backyard pool parties and on beach vacations. Kids shouldn’t feel left out!
Swimming lessons might help kids overcome their fears. In some cases, a little parental intervention can help. If you follow our tips, your little one will be splashing around in no time!
Get In There With Them
A fear of water is common. So for parents, it’s important to tackle this fear early on to help kids love the pool later in life. According to the Canadian Red Cross, parents must lead by example. Parents should not:
- Be too overprotective
- Keep their child from new experiences
Swimming together should be fun, not worrisome. Children need to experience the water to overcome their fears. Keeping them out of the water only delays the inevitable. As a parent, you should be there for your child and help them during this important milestone.
This can also be a bonding experience.
Spend time together in the pool. The two of you will grow closer to one another. Additionally, swimming will become an activity for your child to look forward to.
Group Classes
Seeing other kids having fun and playing around in the water is a sure-fire way to help kids forget their fears. Group swimming lessons introduce kids to the water while keeping things social and lighthearted. You should know the following before starting swim lessons:
- Your child’s skill level
- Class sizes
Know how well your child can swim before the first swim class. Your child’s skill level can help determine what class to enroll them in. Some children prefer larger class sizes, while others prefer a smaller, more intimate learning environment.
Consider the benefits of private swimming lessons as well.
If your child is competitive, sign them up for a team or swim club. This will improve their skills and help them make friends!
Games
Family time in the pool shouldn’t be “the first one to finish 20 laps wins.” Introduce some fun games that the whole family will love! Try things like:
- Blowing bubbles
- Hunting for coins and treasure underwater
Play-based learning is a good way to “trick” your child into learning a new skill. Games can teach skills such as holding their breath and swimming underwater. Try out a variety of games to keep swimming new and exciting!
Learning a new skill should be fun, not boring!
Next time your child is hesitant about getting into the pool, find a new game. Try some of these out at your next pool party!
Educate
Explain basic water safety before your kids dip their feet in the water. KidsHealth finds that supervision is the most essential aspect of water safety. Remember:
- Drowning can happen in less than 2 inches of water
- Young children should be within arm’s reach
Always supervise your children when they’re in the pool or around the water. Drowning can happen in small amounts of water. So always keep an eye on the little ones. Don’t let those still learning to swim go further than an arm’s length from you in the pool.
Give your children swimming tools to make swimming fun.
Everyone loves a good floatie, even adults! Just be sure that your child is learning to swim as well. Waterwings should not be used as a primary floatation device. They can slow your child’s progress when it’s time for swim lessons.
When you book your next vacation, your children will be ready to take on the water! Finding swimming lessons for kids in any area is easy. So do your part to get them in the pool as soon as possible. When you have fun in the pool, so will they!
