That first Swimming Lesson...

THAT…..First Swimming Lesson:

Tips for Parents.

Well done for choosing to give your child – “A gift for life”.

It's normal for little ones to feel uncertain: Don't be

worried or surprised if your child appears distressed.

This reaction is not unusual, and our instructors are

trained to handle these situations.

How to survive that First Lesson

 Place 1 bottle of wine in the

fridge before you leave for your first

lesson – just in case 

 Dress for success, before you leave home: Have your child wear

their swimsuit under their clothes to make the transition smoother.

 Wear pool-friendly clothing: You'll want to be comfortable and able to

place your feet in the water on the first lesson.

 Hand your swimmer over to the instructor with confidence and

determination. (Some may cling – so can be tough, MUM –

however you should understand that you are “Being tough - to be

kind”)

 Show your child that you trust our instructors, and they'll be more

likely to feel comfortable too!

 Use positive reinforcing. Praise all the other children for “swimming

so well”. (Kids hate Mum to praise another child)

 Focus on the positive reinforcement: Praise your child for their

efforts and accomplishments, no matter how small.

 Ignore

tantrums and don't give in: Our instructors are pros at handling

these situations, and consistency is key. Try not to reward negative

behavior – we do not want to encourage negativity,

 Celebrate small victories: Every little achievement is a step towards

confidence in the water!

 Trust the process: Learning to swim takes time, and our priority is to

teach water safety and confidence first.

NEVER forget…………..

 Every child is different, and they'll learn at their own pace.

 We're here to support you: Our instructors are dedicated to helping

your child develop essential skills and confidence in the water.

 Instructors are trained to handle the screaming. Many toddlers start

this way.

Once your little one realizes that no one is “giving in”, nor trying to harm

them, they all soon settle down, and enjoy a life time of swimming.

Do not give in! Your little one could invent a whole range of

“medical symptoms”, or temper tantrums on swimming

days! The “most effective will be the “parental guilt trip”!

The development of preschoolers is phenomenal. In 36 months of life they

master so many basic skills – the foundations of their life ahead.

P.S. - The next “battle of wills” will appear when we again

“challenge their boundaries” i.e remove their swim aids.

All our swimmers are