Swimming, often overlooked as a recreational pursuit is in reality an essential survival skill that everyone must possess. With 71% of the earth covered, water is everywhere. From staycations to your condo pool, the difference between knowing how to swim can be a matter of life and death. Imagine finding yourself unexpectedly submerged in deep waters, your survival is dependent on your ability to stay afloat and reach safety. In such moments, swimming isn't a recreational hobby; it is a crucial skill that can mean the difference between life and death.
Thus, it is especially crucial to start learning swimming for young children as it not only equips them survival skills but also fostering a lifelong sense of confidence and empowerment in water. However, most parents would think how young is too young to start? Would group classes or private classes be more suitable for my child? What is the progression like for my child? These are some common questions that arise and there are three main factors to address such concerns.
Age-Appropriateness
To start-off, the first thing for parents when enrolling their kids to swimming classes would be ensuring that the class suits his/her age maturity. Different swimming classes with different age groups has their own specific objectives and needs.
For reference, babies, and toddlers from 6 months to 3-year-olds mainly learn how to float on water and master basic breath control techniques. It is most likely that this age group is more emphasized on building water confidence and simple water safety skills.
For 4-year-olds onwards, they can follow more complex instructions as their cognitive domain starts to develop much more rapidly. Children in this age range will be introduced to several gross motor skills such as kicking or swinging of the arms which are crucial sets of skill mastery to learn the different types of strokes in swimming.
Ultimately, as a parent, you ought to ask yourself what you would like your child to achieve based on his/her maturity level. Everyone is different and certain age-group may be more appropriate in ensuring that learning how to swim is optimal for your child.
Personality Type
Assessing your child's readiness for swimming classes involves understanding their comfort level in different group settings. If your child thrives in social environments and enjoys interacting with new people, a group swimming class might be the ideal choice. Group lessons offer the benefits of peer learning and positive peer influence, fostering social skills alongside swimming abilities.
On the other hand, if your child feels uneasy in larger groups, opting for private swimming lessons could be more beneficial. Private sessions provide a focused, one-on-one learning environment where your child can feel at ease and receive individualized attention. This personalized approach often results in quicker learning and progress compared to group settings.
Nobody knows your child better than you do, and you make the call on which type of lesson is appropriate that suits the learning of the child.
Managing Expectations
It's important to recognize that progress in swimming, like any skill, takes time and varies from child to child. Understand that learning to swim is a gradual process, and it is not unrealistic to expect a child to swim like an Olympic Swimmer after 2 or 3 months.
Every child learns at their own pace, so avoid comparing your child's progress to that of others. Focus on your child's individual growth and improvement, celebrating their achievements no matter how small. Encourage your child to persevere through challenges and setbacks in their swimming journey.
No matter what you are looking for, always remember that you are the main decider of what type of swimming lesson is best for your child. At Poolva, we understand the importance of equipping children with essential swimming skills that go beyond just recreation. With our app, you can easily keep track of your child’s progression in line with Singapore’s SwimSafer Program with just a few taps.
Take the plunge with us and give your child the gift of swimming that opens the door to endless opportunities and adventures in the water. Sign up for our swimming classes today and embark on a journey in ensuring your child’s safety!
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