LEARNING TO SWIM is an essential basic skill that all children need to acquire, BUT, can be very taxing on parents!

 

Don’t be worried or surprised if your little one appears distressed at their first lesson. This reaction is not unusual – in fact in this day and age, quite normal.

We have to teach our children - “DON’T TALK TO STRANGERS, AND DON’T GO NEAR THE POOL!” ………. Hardly surprising then, that some scream when handed over to a “stranger in a pool”!

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Do not give in, and please don’t worry (To settle your frazzled nerves place a bottle of wine in the fridge before you leave) – all kiddies soon settle down to a lifetime of water world wonders.

 

When enrolling a toddler, parents are advised to bring a spare pair of shorts to the first lesson, where they will be invited to sit on the edge of the pool, while the instructor, pool and toddler get acquainted.

 

All children are different. Learning to swim with confidence will take time! Our first priority is to teach them water safety boosting their self - confidence. During this process we develop their gross motor co-ordination, and core strength.

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The development of a preschooler is phenomenal. In 36 months of life they master so many basic skills – the foundations of their life ahead. Swimming must be one! Rather they cry now, than you cry latter.

 

Ten things your child’s swimming instructor wants you to know.

Knowing how to swim competently could save your child’s life. For this reason, swimming lessons are not only beneficial for physical strength and development, but should also be seen as providing a vital lifesaving skill that everybody should possess.

 

Swimming instructors take their time to get to know your child’s strengths and weaknesses, and try their hardest to bring out the best in their swimmers. To help them do so, here are ten things swimming instructors would like you to remember:

 

1) Children learn at their own pace

Some kids will swim like dolphins from the get-go, but others will take longer. They may need to build up a relationship with their instructor before they can physically progress, they may need to get to know the pool and their classmates, or their little bodies may take time to develop the strength needed to propel them forwards.

It’s all progress, it’s all development; it’s all important. Try not to compare your child to others, they are trying their best!

2) We all learn differently

Similar to learning at their own pace, children also learn in their own ways. Some respond well to gentle teaching methods, some excel under stricter guidance.

While we try our very best to teach in the best way for your child, sometimes they will be suited to a different instructor. You are more than welcome to talk to us, or to the coordinators about what (or who) will best suit your child.

3) Let them play!

Outside of lessons, the very best thing you can do for your child’s progression is to enjoy water together! Teach them to play. Don’t worry about their technique, teach them that swimming can be fun and they will WANT to improve. Do reinforce the usual safety rules (Booklet given on registration).

4) Your children really want you to be proud of them

Sometimes it can be frustrating to see your child’s progress plateau, or to see others catch on quicker, but as mentioned above: there can be so many developmental reasons behind this. They do want to do well, they do love your praise, and they do check to see that you are watching.

Sometimes we will see an improvement in their technique or their body positioning, and we will try to make a big deal out of it. It may be minuscule; but it may also signal a complete change in their ability.

5) We all have bad days

Sometimes your child will be tired, uncooperative, grumpy; human. We understand. Give us a heads-up if you can, and remember that we all have bad days. Generally speaking, the best way to handle this is to persist with the lesson. If your child climbs out early, they may expect the same result in future; when they aren’t having a bad day and they just want to do something different.

They may not accomplish the most on that bad day, but seeing the lesson through will set a precedent for the future.

6) Being on time is important

While this one is easier said than done, and we know lateness is sometimes unavoidable, arriving with enough time to get your child used to their surroundings before they are plonked in the water really does make the world of difference.

Children have no real concept of time, but they are incredibly in tune with their parents. If you are rushed and anxious, the chances are that anxiety will come with them into the pool.

If you do happen to be late, we understand; a deep breath may ease that transition into the lesson.

7) It’s best to stay committed

Physical activity and group sports are fantastic for your children; but swimming is also a vital survival skill. Maintaining your commitment to lessons is the best way to develop your child’s strength and capability in and around water.

8) Children pay more attention than we realise

This point is especially relevant with our teaching methods. For this reason, we teach in groups - mimicking “Play Groups”. Kiddies learn more from watching and copying than actually listening – especially in this modern tech age.

9) You can talk to us!

While our instructors are professionals; you know your child. Feel free to talk to us or one of the coordinators about any past experiences/injuries/illnesses/bad days that you may think are relevant. We have cameras that can be checked at any time.

That being said; we do deal with A LOT of children, so your faith and trust in us and our methods goes a long way.

10) We really do love your kids

Even when they are challenging. In fact, sometimes those challenges make the rewards that bit sweeter. Your children are strong, clever, funny, and the reason we are in this profession.

We genuinely enjoy our time with them; working out their personalities, finding the “buttons” that they respond to, and watching them grow.

 

We are so proud when a child masters a new skill or overcomes a fear; so thank you for trusting us to do so!

Behind you all in Swimming