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As parents, we always mean well and want the best for our kids. There may be some things you are in the habit of doing with your little one that could be affecting their swim progress, that you aren’t even aware of. We want your child to be successful in swim lessons, so here are 5 ways you may be hindering your child’s progress.

 

1. Catching them when they jump in

It can be fun to have your little one jump to you in the water and you catch them, but we want to encourage you not to do this. Every time a swimmer jumps into the water in our swim lessons, we teach them to either roll onto their back or to swim to the wall. This way, in case they were to ever fall into a body of water accidentally, they would have the skills necessary to save their life.

2. Keeping them in floaties

When swimming in your own pool, many parents want to keep their kids in floaties so that they don’t have to get in the water with them or stay right by their side. In swim lessons, we spend time getting your child comfortable in the water without the assistance of floaties. Sometimes kids can get so comfortable wearing a flotation device that they use it as a crutch. When they come to swim lessons, and don’t have a flotation device on, they have to re-learn how to be comfortable in the water all over again.

 

3. Not coming to lessons consistently

If you miss several lessons or take long breaks, your child won’t be able to build off the skills they have learned and maintain consistency. We know things come up, and sometimes you have to miss. Try to make it to as many lessons as possible so your swimmer has the consistency they need to build on what they’ve learned the week before.

 

4. Being late or rushed to lessons

Kids can get tense or anxious if you are running into lessons late. They may need some time to adjust to the environment and what they are about to do in lessons. Aim to arrive around five minutes before lessons start to allow for a smooth transition.

 

5. Letting them choose if they will swim or not swim

Learning to swim is just like any other skill, it takes time and practice. There will be some days where your kids might not feel like swimming, just like they won’t feel like doing their homework. By positively encouraging them to stick with their responsibilities, it will help create consistency in their swimming abilities.

 

We think that swim lessons are a lifesaving skill and are just as important and non-negotiable as wearing a seatbelt. By coming to lessons consistently and having appropriate expectations, your child will continue to progress and build off the skills they are learning. You can always talk to their instructor or the office staff if you are concerned with your child’s progress.