It's Summertime

Let's face it, summer is among us. It is hot and miserable at times outside. And if it is not stinkin' hot, we are having an afternoon thunderstorm. Like Alicia said yesterday, we can't stay inside all day everyday. What do you do when all these conditions apply? Go to the pool!

My sweet girl is a fish, just like her mommy. We have a pool in our neighborhood, about a block down the road. Now that LilE is loving the water even more, we have tried our best to play out there more this year than in years past. And since we are around the water more this year, I felt it was time to take swimming lessons to teach her to rely on herself rather than the floaties.

I found a friend of a friend for lessons. We provided the pool. She is certified through the American Red Cross and also teaches using their material. Each day they begin their lesson circling up on the pool deck to learn a new pool safety rule (no running, always swim with someone, wait for an adult to tell you to get in, etc.).


After circle time, they enter the pool and find their spot on the top step. They have been blowing bubbles out their noses and mouths, learning to "float", and kick using the kick board.

They are also learning to get their heads wet. Some kids are terrified at the water and this process can take awhile. Mrs. Kate is so patient with the girls and will let them move ahead at their own pace without traumatizing them any further.

She also has them jumping in off the side and then lets them swim (with her assistance) to the side.


I just love that my sweet girl has had the opportunity to learn about pool/water safety and she has had such a fun time meeting new friends.

Here are my suggestions for great swimming lessons:
1. Find a great instructor who has is certified to teach and has a good rapport with children.
2. Find a pool with an atmosphere for learning (steps/shallow end, good water/outside temperature, non-crowded).
3. Small class size. (Our class with 5 two-four years olds has been perfect)
4. Schedule. Our class was Monday-Thursday for two weeks. The YMCA in our area had a four week course, 30 minutes once a week. At 3 years, it is my opinion that recall is minimal. Having a lesson every day makes review minimal, which promotes more learning.
5. Encouragement. Praise, praise, praise your child! Self confidence is huge. We talk about lessons throughout the day. We have even taken Daddy to the pool to show off our new skills! She was so excited to show him!
6. Know your child's limitations. Not every child loves the water. Know when to push them further and know when it is okay to say no. Pray with them for courage and have Jesus help them through.

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