5 Secrets to Get Your Kids to LOVE Swim Lessons

Swim lessons are the perfect way to ensure that your child becomes water safe and learns the important skills of water safety and survival, but not all kids LOVE swim lessons. Here are the secrets every parent wants to know...

• 1. Let your child make choices

  Swim lessons can be overwhelming in many ways. Kids may feel out of control, anxious, or disengaged when their perception is they do not have a choice. As parents, we know how important learning to swim is for our kids. However, it may be difficult to find ways for them to have a choice in the matter. Give them control of their own learning, and their love and passion will also grow. Here are some tips:

  —Let them choose their instructor or coach. Most swim school show photos or have profiles of their staff. Booking lessons with the instructor of their choice instantly allows them to be more receptive to the process.

  —Have them pick their gear. Depending on their level, they may need goggles, caps, or fins. Let them choose the style or color (be sure to check with your swim school or pool on any requirements).

  —Just like when they are getting dressed, let them choose their swim suit and towel (and perhaps a favorite bath toy). If you are purchasing new swim wear, give them a choice in what you buy, or, if you have options at home, let them pick what they wear and bring that week.

  —Giving choice and respecting your children’s choices will make swim lessons more enjoyable. This can also strengthen the bond you have with your child, as it makes them feel that their opinions are valued and that they matter.

• 2. Set goals and small milestones, outside of the water

  It may be the simple task of walking independently into the pool (climbing down the stairs or ladder). It may be something more difficult like passing a swim level and earning an award. No matter how big or small, it is important to meet your child where they are, and find accomplishments together. Recognize their achievements and efforts. There does not need to be a huge celebration each time, but praise and showing them your excitement for their hard-work can be motivating. This gives them constant positive reinforcement which drives them to continue learning and improving.

• 3. Check in on progress - focus on learning

  It is easy to be distracted in our busy lives. If your child is struggling to love swim lessons or stay focused, it may not completely be their fault. Remember to check in on your child's progress. This may include:

  —Listening to what the instructor is teaching your child each lesson, and asking your child a question about it after the lesson.

  —Checking in with the instructor the last few minutes of the lesson. Ask if there is anything your child can work on at home to reinforce the skills they are working on at lessons.

  —Focusing on learning, and not performance. Performance can be important, but it takes time and consistency to reach a goal. Remember, that children learn at different paces.

  Use this "check-in" time as a chance for you to bond and communicate with your children. This time may also allow your child to look forward to learning new things every lesson, and sharing that with you at the end of the class.

• 4. Be supportive and encouraging, yet persistent

  It is important to validate your child's feelings, while talking to your child openly about "why" swim lesson are important.

  Stay Involved in the learning process - Kids love to show their parents something new they learned. Watch the lessons, and encourage their progress and accomplishments.

  Set clear expectations - your child can be involved in this process (see #1), but be sure to make your expectations clear before entering the pool area.

  —Behavioral expectations (i.e. running is not safe around a pool.)

  —"I want you to try something new today, and tell me how it goes."

  —"I expect you to stay in the pool for your entire lesson." Trying new things may be difficult, but allowing your child to do this will help them grow.

  —Reinforce safety - "I want you to be safe around water because...."

  +You can talk about an upcoming vacation where you will be near water.

  —Explain why they are learning a particular skill.

  —Learning to be safe is important for social situations. Many kids have birthday parties at pools, and peer pressure can be difficult, especially for a child who cannot swim at a pool party.

  Guide your child and introduce a different perspective. This will enable them to change a negative opinion into a positive one. Encourage open and two-way communication all the time!

• 5. Get Involved - Show Them

  Early introduction to water and swim is ideal. When we grow up seeing and doing something our parents and family members do, we inherently want to do those same things. There are many ways to show them that water is fun, and that it also requires respect.

  -Start at bath time. Splashing, blowing bubbles, kicking and floating can all be practiced in the tub.

  -Sign up for a parent and me (Aqua Babies and Tots) class. Getting in the water and working on skills with your little one is the perfect way to show them, and introduce your child to a professional instructor.

  -Go to the pool/beach/lake with your children and get in the water. Do not worry about how you look, getting in the water and showing your child how to just "be" in the water safely, is wonderful. Having fun with your kids is a bonus!