Parenting Article:

Teaching your kids to swim:
traditional lessons vs 'do it yourself'

Courtesy of: Uswim

Swimming for fun and safety:
Swimming is part of Australian culture. Many of our social activities somehow involve water, from going to the beach, attending pool parties and competing in the school swim carnivals. Learning to swim can not only save a child's life, but is an integral part of growing up.

Benefits of baby swimming:
Swimming lessons are a great activity for parent and baby. By teaching your baby to swim you also help improve their motor skills, dexterity, cognitive abilities and strength / muscle tone. Because of the buoyancy offered by the water babies are able to move and explore in ways that would normally not be possible for them. Swimming time is also a great bonding experience because of the close contact and trust developed between parent and child. The earlier children start swimming, the less chance they have of developing a fear of water.

Traditional lessons:
When we talk about traditional lessons we usually think of the local swim school or council pool with lessons for babies, toddlers and young children. The quality of traditional lessons varies greatly and often parents don't really know how good the lessons are unless they have been able to compare. Professional teachers should have a qualification from Austswim or Swim Australia, but quality swim schools will put teachers through their own training program and offer on going support and development to their instructors.

'Do it yourself' lessons
The idea of teaching your own children to swim is not a new one. Having a structure and professional program to learn from and implement is new. In the past some parents with best of intentions have though 'I was a good swimmer' or 'I can remember what I used to do when learning' and had a go at teaching their kids to swim with mixed results. 'Do it yourself' swim lesson are no longer hit and miss. Resources and education available to parents wishing to teach their own children can be more advanced than what many professional swim instructors receive.

What to look for in a learn to swim program:
When looking at a swimming program (both traditional and 'do it yourself') there are key factors that are always important and should be considered before you make a decision to go with any particular learn to swim program.

Here are some of the main things to consider:

• The program should have specific goals or targets for each level. The levels should be challenging but achievable for every child. Children that achieve skills easily/quickly should move through the program faster.
• Look for a program that gradually builds up skills within a level rather than trying to teach an entire stroke all at one time. This could be floating in a streamlined position before trying to kick in a streamlined position.
• A positive and nurturing approach to learning. A new skill should never be forced on a child that is upset or distressed; this only creates negative feelings toward swimming. Children should be encouraged and extended but not when distressed.
• Safety components should be built in to the class structure. This means developing good safety habits from day 1.

So what is best for you and your child?
Everyone will have a different answer. Traditional lessons are great if you have access to a quality program that suits you. If however;

• You cannot afford lessons,
• Cannot find good ones
• Do not have the time to commit to regular classes

Do it yourself lessons maybe for you.

Happy swimming :-)

Uswim is an online 'do it yourself' learn to swim program. We show you the skills and techniques you need to teach your child to swim. Uswim can also help you understand the 'learn to swim' process making you a more informed parent.

For more swimming information visit us at www.uswim.com. Please email any questions to helpdesk@uswim.com

Back to Parenting Articles