Helpful Hints for Having a Good Swimming Class
GROUP praise
gives encouragement. Group response serves as reinforcement and helps parents as well as the babies. It makes them feel as if they have really done a great thing — after all, this many people can’t be wrong! Your baby will see the Fun and Excitement
of others around them (but only if it is there!). So praise each child proudly. You have a responsibility to the other babies as well as to your own.
Be flexible
and let your baby be your guide. Try to work with your child, not against him/her. Ease into new tasks rather than forcing them. Encourage your child to try each task.
Be gentle use slow movements. Always be ready to cuddle after baby swimming lessons.
Keep a careful eye on your child that he/she isn’t “DRINKING” the pool. A drink of juice or water before class could eliminate this temptation.
Try to develop an atmosphere of just you and your baby while he/she is floating. Concentrate on what the two of you are doing. When other children are taking turns with the instructor, respond to the positive things other children do just as you would your own child.
Don’t ask baby if he/she WANTS to do something. Instead use a calm, friendly voice to inform him/her of what the next activity will be. Don’t hesitate. It causes confusion and makes baby unsure of what is going on. Your child will establish trust when we follow through with a task. Your instructor will discuss what comes next to eliminate any surprises. Trust is a must!
Younger babies are usually more relaxed, and respond more readily to holding their breath. They still have their “kicking” reflex and move more relaxed in the water. Parents are excited when their child learns breath control and go under the water without gasping and coughing. Often well meaning parents will submerge their children up and down vertically. This forces water up the child’s nose, creating extreme discomfort. Please allow the instructor to assist you child with horizontal submersions, creating happier, positive experiences .
Keep trying and don’t give up. Realize swimming takes time, practice, and patience.
The post Helpful Hints for Having a Good Swimming Class appeared first on Swim Jim.
