Kid Swim Tips Needed
Folks -
We have been taking the misses to the pool (ages 2 + 4) on the weekends for the past few months, and miss M is in a 1x weekly swim class at the Y. They are getting really really good at being in the pool, but when we are there they won't let go of us in the water. I can get them to let go after a while, but it takes time for them to relax. What games or tricks have you used to get your little ones moving about in the water? I guess I could wait until one day they just jump in on my head (probably soon!), but I'd love your input!
Thanks and have a great weekend,
Patrick
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Comments
Patrick,
I found that with my 2 (now 6 and nearly 4) that just let them hang on for a while. Take them to the pool as much as you can and they will see all the other kids playing and eventually get curious. As long as they have good flotation devices they will be fine. I would probably not force them to do anything at this early stage. Ours held on for ages but then one day -bam! they didn't want to be held. when they let go just make everything fun and never force anything. Let them play in the water.
Fergus
When kids get "sticky" like that, it can be tricky. My game plan would be sorted out before I get in the water with them.
I would totally ignore the sticky part, make like it's no big deal, let it run it's course. Give them little attention and feedback when they're hanging on your neck. Think neutral--body language, tone of voice, amount of interaction. When they do separate, big praise! IOW, attention is attention, even if it's negative attention. No negative attention for being sticky, but great feedback for the desired behavior.
Personally, I would not get into bargains like, "You can hang on me for 5' then it's time to let go." It can work, but it's also a recipe for a big time power struggle when the time is up. That can set a really bad pattern. Over time, the desired behaviors win out. Like Fergus said, they are so little, I'd give them a ton of leeway. You may find, some days wild horses won't drag them in. It happens. Roll with it.
Sink or swim girls!
I found with both my kids, now 6 and 4, it was just a natural progression. We started early with both and they were clingy at first, but once they got comfortable, they swam more on their own. Letting them realize they wont actually sink when they're not holding me was helpful.
The only time they want to me to be close to them now is so they can push me under.
My son made his biggest strides last year when he'd go swimming with the afterschool program. Being amongst peers helps tremendously.
Good luck.
Dave
FWIW, having had 4 kids go through the process of learning to swim, and by default watching literally hundreds of kids learn at the same time, I observed that 99% of them do not/cannot learn to swim--for real swim--until ~age 5. Before that, they simply don't yet have the mind-body connection or ability to put it together. There is the rare exception, but it is out of the norm by far. All of sudden, at about age 5 they get it and take off. Lessons, familiarity, and comfort with the water and the whole process sets the stage very well, so it's worth the time and effort IMO. But sometimes the actual swimming mechanics take longer than you'd think.
They are SO cute learning!
I know some people really poo poo them, but the bathing suits with the built in flotation worked great! They got really confident, but didn't feel like they were wearing a life jacket or floaties or some kind of "aid". One minute they were hanging on me and the next they were racing each other down the pool! or at least it seemed that way. Whatever you do - try not to force it - haven't seen that work yet! Have fun and enjoy it while they are hanging on - they'll be dusting you soon enough
I remember using noodles or some floating mat, and just ask, Hey kids can you hold to that for a few minutes while I hold you as daddy is tired. Pretty soon they were holding the noodle/float and not me and I was not holding them.
Good Luck
ps. Nemo I now have a IMAGE in my head of Rich that I need to burn out!
i would also grab them facing me under their armpits and swoosh them back and forth, then let them get a hug. since they would laugh during the swooshing, they'd then say "again". so we did it again. i then made the swooshing slower and slower until eventually they were just kind of "floating" on the water with support.