There are a number of reasons that can be given as to why children should be taught swimming at a young age. If your child is aware of the basic swimming techniques and knows how to stay afloat, you can be at peace when your kids are near water. Moreover swimming is one the best exercises that also helps your child grow properly and the best way on which the extra energy of the kids can be put into use. If you are in the process of teaching your child how to swim then here are some points that you should keep in mind.

For starters for both you and your kids go through these points:

• Help your child pick a bathing suit. If your kid wants to wear the bathing suit and get wet then you are assured that your kid will be able to handle water.

• When your kid first experiences the pool then having a pool with warm water can make the experience enjoyable for the kid.

• If the pool has steps then it is great. Start from these to help your child gain some confidence. You can be assured that there is one place in the pool where your child can be left safely.

• When you are teaching your kids the basic tricks of swimming, avoid putting floaters around them and making them wear vests to keep them afloat. This puts in wrong judgment in the kids mind and can deter the ability.

• The best way to teach your kids swimming is to make them join swimming classes. In this way, you will be at peace that there is a professional trainer around your kids who can teach them all the tricks of swimming. You can participate in the parent-child lessons to make your kid feel comfortable. If your child is a bit older then get permission and sit by the pool to watch them learn.

• The lessons would teach your child how to get the face wet and how to blow bubbles.

• How to jump and get out of the pool by making use of elbows rather than making use of stairs.

• Floating in different ways, kicking while making use of a kickboard and the proper arms strokes.

• When you get your child admitted to swimming classes make sure that the lessons are according to the swimming goals that you have set for your child.

• Also don’t hesitate in asking the instructor about the experience that he/she has with handling kids of the age of your child. Watch how the instructor teaches and is he/she attentive to the needs of the children.

Swimming is a fun activity and you can make it easy for your children by taking part with them. For kids to understand and coordinate the arms and legs movements will take some time. But, with regular practice and training this can be overcome. So, start with the basics and be around your child when they are learning how to swim. Once they know swimming then you can be at peace when they play around water.

Jason Ladock

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