[bctt tweet=”Whether you were set on enrolling your child in swimming lessons or whether your kiddos begged you to sign them up, having your child take swimming lessons is an investment in their health, safety, and future.” username=”AquaLifeSA”] And yes, it’s an investment: you’re willingly parting with your hard-earned cash so that your child can learn how to swim! With that in mind, you’ll want to ensure that your child makes progress in the pool. Here are a few ways to make sure that you’re getting the most out of your child’s swimming lessons:

Show up for every lesson!

Commit to arriving to lessons every time, on time. Better yet, strive to arrive early so that they can take a moment to get ready, fix their goggles, and get excited about being in the pool. Lessons are the time where significant learning and instruction take place, and it’s important that your child build upon their skills and retain that knowledge. Regular attendance helps your child progress.

Be consistent

It might be tempting to skip out on lessons over school breaks, but it’s better to keep a consistent schedule when it comes to swimming lessons. The more time your child spends in the water, the more they have a chance to build upon their skills.

Have patience

Your daughter might be learning faster than your son. Maybe your child has advancedto swimming lapswhile his or her best friend still fears the water.Keep in mind that all children progress at different rates, so avoid the urge the compare the kids. This is a swimming lesson, not a swim meet after all! It will pay off later that your child took their own time to master integral and foundational skills.

Practice

The only way to keep getting better at something is to spend focused time practicing! Did Michael Phelps just decide to jump in the water one way and figure he could swim faster than a shark? Nope! It took years of time, attention, and training to become an Olympic great. Your child may not have gold-medal aspirations, but he or she will want to be able to swim independently and safely. The best way to reach that goal is to get in the water and practice.

Encourage your child

Bring your child to the pool and cheer them on. You might feel the urge to start coaching your child, but remember that your kiddo has a teacher right there in the pool! Allow the teacher to teach, and pay attention to what skills they’re trying to get your child to focus on. If you’re not sure what your child should practice in the week ahead, simply ask the teacher–they’ll let you know.

Splish and splash

Not every moment in the water needs to function as focused practice time. Let your son or daughter have fun in the water! Head to the lake, the beach, the local pool — even bath time presents opportunities for water-based fun. It’s important for any kid who’s a bit fearful or anxious in the water to spend more time in it–especially if that anxiety is holding them back in their lessons.

The more chances your child has to receive guided instruction, focused practice, and simple familiarity with the water, the more he or she will progress. There are still ways to maximize the benefits:

• Consider holiday or spring break intensives as either a jumpstart or refresher course
• Schedule make-up lessons
• Look into an added day of lessons during the week (or every other week)

We’re committed to teaching our students how to swim safely. We are happy to talk with you about ways you can help your child become a better, stronger, safer swimmer. Contact us today to learn more about what we have to offer for your family.