Dive In...Splash Around, Part 2

Monday, July 05, 2010
by Jeannie Fleming-Gifford

Ah...summer. I've spent the last three evenings at our local pool. Every visit is only thirty minutes to an hour, but it confirms that summer is here. I am trying to soak in every minute of it. It's a bit different this year.

With the munchkin in tow, everything (okay, most things) at the pool is ultra cool and exciting. A walking and talking machine, she's ready for sunscreen (most labels note that sunscreen should not be used for infants under 6 months of age) and she's diggin' the water this year.

Have you splashed about with your child in a pool? The first time we ventured to the pool, things didn't go as I had hoped(www.planningfamily.com/blog/dive-in-splash-around/).

Now, we're back in those swim lessons and I am the parent trying to contain their kiddo's excessive, joyful squeals.

Are you wondering when is the right time for your child to take swim lessons and at what age can they learn to swim? Me too!

I've done a little digging and here's what I've found out:

*As it goes, all children are different and there's no magic answer to when children should begin such programs as "swim" lessons. However, most experts agree, young children (infants as young as 6 months and toddlers) can reap positive benefits by enrollment in such programs. The number one thing most programs aim to teach the youngest children is how to pull themself out of the water by grabbing onto the edge of the pool and climbing out, thus giving children tools to be safe.  Programs also provide positive and fun ways for children to become comfortable in the water (i.e. using the familiar children's rhyme "Humpty Dumpty" to encourage a child to leap into your arms while you are standing in the water).

*If your child isn't lovin' swim class, it may be best to not push them.  Realize they do not have to acquire the skills today, but - like everything else - learning to enjoy the water may be a slow process. Baby steps (www.planningfamily.com/blog/baby-steps/). And, if after some time (and a lot of patience) your child is still not enjoying the experience of being in the water, it may be time to give it a break and try again at a later time.

*Most children learn to swim independently around the same time they will learn to ride a bike. The average age is 5 to 6 years. However, children can be proficient swimmers as young as 3 years.

What's your experience with your kiddo this summer in the water? Any tricks or tips to share?

I'm back off to the pool...time to "dive in and splash around!"

 

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