In this century of digital gadgets, it is very important for your kid to be active. Unfortunately, with the advent of mobile phones and mobile games, most children have become bedridden. They have become addicted to gadgets, and parents worldwide are facing the same problem with their children, especially during the pandemic. Staying physically active is extremely necessary, not only for your child’s physical health but also for their mental health… and to do that, swimming is a great place, to begin with. The water has always been a curious place for kids, and if given the right direction, they will learn to swim at a very young age.
Swimming is super fun and also, along with that, is an intense form of exercise that requires the participation of almost all the muscles in the body. It improves the respiratory system and increases stamina and endurance.
So, introduce your child to this fun activity…. Here are five ways you can do that.
Table of Contents
1. Talk to the fishes
You should buy a few fish (fake fish) beforehand to adopt this method. First, ask your toddler to blow a few bubbles inside the water and practice speaking with fake fish. Now, ask them to dip inside the pool to hear their responses.
This method is highly recommended if you’re trying to train your toddler in the breath control technique. However, unintentionally consuming the water can become a terrifying experience for the kid. So, urge your toddler to immerse his head in the water to execute this method perfectly.
Make sure to encourage them during the whole process. Seeing you smile will keep them relaxed. If it doesn’t help, you can also look for Clark Rubber for some swimming toys and tools and make it irresistible for them.
2. Catch the fishes
If the swimming pool’s depth is appropriate (up to the toddler’s hips or the chest), then position yourself in front of your toddler and ask them to grab the fish using his hand. Next, instruct them to do a front-crawling limb movement by stretching their arms in the air and then diving into the pool.
This method will help them become accustomed to the hand motions required for beginners to swim independently. Usually, kids in swimming training can perfect the front crawl by the ages of 5 to 6.
3. Motorboat front float
Keep your toddler safely in your hold, facing towards you. Now, slowly wander across the water in the opposite direction. Due to this, the water will gradually force them onto a front floating posture as you increase your pace. Move around in circles, and with the rounds, slowly increase your speed. You can also blow bubbles to retain their interest or urge your toddler to throw their legs in a frontal motion.
This method effectively makes children more comfortable in the horizontal swimming posture.
4. Red light, Green light
Stand beside your toddler on the steps of a shallow swimming pool. If your little one is a bit older, make them grab the pool’s side and face the walls. Let them move frantically once you shout out ‘green light.’ A red light indicates a halt, whereas shouting yellow light signals that your toddler should slowly start paddling.
This method will slowly teach your child the hindlimb movements and help your toddler get accustomed to it.
4. Taking the Leap
Get in the water and stand two 2 feet away from the wall while facing it and crouch; let your child stand on your knees and grasp your toddler by their waist, keeping them in place. Next, instruct them to take a leap off your knees into the water and float towards the wall and grasp it.
The child won’t be swimming initially; instead, the momentum of his leap will make them reach the wall. This method gradually builds confidence in the young one to swim without anyone’s supervision.
Over to you…
Always be with your child while putting these methods to practice. Swimming needs supervision and regulation to facilitate fast improvement in the child. Also, remind your toddler about the instructions of a swimming pool and make sure they abide by them strictly.
