Introduction
Beginning private swimming lessons can be more or less a moment of joyous anticipation in the lives of children and parents. However knowing what to expect you as a parent can go a long way in putting his/her concerns to rest and also prepare your child for the first lesson. In this article, you will find information regarding what parents should know before going to the lesson, what will happen in the lesson, and how to help child in this new situation.
What to Expect
Very often, the first lesson is how to feel freah and not afraid of water and how to get used to of it. The key notions will not be children swimming laps their first time in the pool. The concentration is on preparing them for being comfortable in the water, having face in the water, blowing bubbles which might lead to floating or paddling with assistance. The instructor comes to understand the child and develops a progression plan for each skill as well as developing different strategies gradually. Since young kids can be very busy, lessons usually contain games, songs and other fun things they can relate to. Expect the unexpected too too much−children can react and progress as different even if they enjoy bath at home. The idea is not to load it up with too many expectations and let the lesson go on as per the child’s pace.
Preparing Your Child
Use positive words to describe what the lesson will entail for instance blowing bubbles or splashing. Emphasize the fun. To some kids, the instructor is a teacher who would teach them how swim like their teachers teach them mathematics or spelling. Assure that they will not be left alone and you will be there right from the start until the end. If they are old enough, try to watch technique videos with them so that they have a clue as to what is coming. We should not let the students get carried away by unrealistic goals though or take their word as gospel when they are discussing what will be achieved in one lesson. Managing expectations is key.
Other good preparation consists in bathing suit practices. Ensure that your child tries the suit at home, move around the house so that you know how it feels to wear the suit at a function. Experiment with the goggle models as well – some children seem to prefer one strap design or another, or one lens shape. Take their swim wear, goggles, towel and any other accessory they might need and pack them into their swim bag few days before the event. Having keen plans for mornings can reduce the pressure.
Pre-Lesson Steps
Plan wisely as far as meal choices are concerned before a lesson – do not eat foods that makes one feel uncomfortable in water. Instead, focus on proteins, carbohydrates and water rich diet. Make sure you bring something healthy that you can eat after your swim at the pool as well.
It is recommended that a person should get to the venue a few minutes earlier than is expected so that instead of just dashing to get set, one is saved that time. Use the bathroom beforehand. Find out where the observation seats offer clear and unobstructed views. The first step is to make sure that both you and your child explain yourself to the instructor so that you all get comfortable with each other. Reporting concerns or intentions for child at this point is also good so that the instructor can know a child’s issues. Let your child watch some of the lesson with the previous swimmers in order for the child to understand the setup.
Easing First-Time Anxiety
Some apprehension is normal! But there are approaches to help minimize the concerns in small ways. Be calm and speak positively to your child−children are so sensitive to their parent’s emotions. Help your child to watch for a while without forcing him or her into the water immediately. Just walk around the pool so they get used to the new environment, for instance standing in it, touching the water with the toes if willing. To be more specific, settling into the strange environment is what means the most.
Verbally acknowledge any protests and reassure your child you’re present. For some it can help to minimize fears with words such as “you will be alright” which should be avoided. Distraction methods don’t harm also, whether a pair of goggles or the cap of any trainer. Rewarding by means of bribery does not help individuals learn how to cope with their stressors therefore avoiding snacks or toy awarded… High fives hugs and verbal praise after tries or when moving to the next level builds confidence. Patience in giving your child feedback helps in eliminating pressure that can be placed on the child at any particular stage.
Post-Lesson Follow Up
You should discuss the lesson after it has been taught to know how your child understand it. Sub focus on those that they might have appreciated or attempted. Open-ended questions to use could include; How was the lesson, what you understood from the class session and Are there any suggestions on how this lesson should be taught in the future? Input also assists instructors in modifying the curriculum as well In other way.
Any skills that could need more practice or certain phobias that have to be addressed so that they remain priorities for the future. But overall, keep analysis simple – it is one introductory lesson so the idea is not to expect students to be masters of the concept. Stay positive. Comfort in water doesn’t develop in one, two, let alone three class sessions and especially when it comes to young children who have never been enrolled into swim lessons before. Comfort your child telling them that you and the teacher will help him/her progress with other lessons on the way.
Conclusion
To help your child get the maximum to private swimming introduction that is why it is necessary to prepare him/her thoughtfully. Making sure they are aware of your expectations as well as how to make attendance non-forcible and stress-free and how positive comments helps to reduce the transitional stress does goes along way. There is no need to spend too much time on the analysis of one lesson but it is important to focus on your child’s responses so that teachers could adjust the program. With your help though, over the course of this year, skills will manifest for comfort as students remain proactive, happy and absorbing within class.