Tips for Teaching Your Child to Swim

Teaching your child to swim yourself may seem like a daunting task, but it can be a completely painless process for both of you if it is undertaken with the correct mindset. Remember that Rome was not built in a day, and you are not going to have an Olympic swimming champion at the end of your first lesson. However, if you approach it correctly you could see a dramatic improvement in the skills of your little swimmer within just a couple of lessons. Apply the following steps to teaching your child to swim, and watch them progress with no tears or screams from either of you.

During your first lesson with them your first goal should be to determine level of fear that they experience in the water. This first step will allow you to determine exactly where you need to begin to be most effective. If they are fearful of the water already spend some time teaching them to trust themselves and you in the water. Show them that they can go out as far as their neck without having to fear drowning. Spend time holding them afloat while they simply relax in the water, then gradually move away and show them they are capable of floating by themselves. Keep working with them until they are able to not only float, but to completely submerge themselves in the water without becoming afraid or fighting against the water. Be sure and praise their efforts and end your time in the pool with some free playtime. This will make it a positive experience overall and hopefully leave them looking forward to their next swimming lesson.

When it comes time for the next lesson, let them have some free time when they first get into the water. Have them show off what they learned last time you were in the pool together. A good way to bring it up and keep the mood playful might be, "Hey! You did a tremendous job at going under the water last time. Can you still do that? Why don't you show me?" Generally speaking children love to show off their skills, and they are probably going to jump at the chance to show you how good they are at something. Once they are comfortable with being completely submerged under the water again, tell them that if they kick their legs they will be swimming. Once you have them submerged and kicking with a little patience and work the rest will come naturally.

If you follow these simple steps you can easily take your child from being unable to swim to a being a great swimmer with a couple of trips to the pool. The main keys to teaching any child to swim are patience, praise and persistence. If you can maintain the keys to teaching throughout your swimming lessons, you will soon be watching by the side of the pool as your child swims.