Swimming Lesson for Kids: Expectations vs. Reality

Swimming lessons are often seen as a rite of passage for children, promising to transform them into confident and skilled swimmers. As parents, you may have certain expectations about what your kids will achieve during these lessons. However, the reality can sometimes be quite different from your initial assumptions. In this blog post, we will explore the common expectations parents have for their children's swimming lessons and shed light on the reality of what to expect. Let's dive in!

1)      Swimming Attire

Expectations: It doesn’t really matter what your child wears, as long as it is a swimsuit. One common misconception is buying a swimsuit that is a size larger for your child so it will still fit them as they grow.

Reality: Choosing the right swimsuit for your child is more crucial than you might realise. Your child’s swimsuit should not primarily be for aesthetic reasons, but also their performance, comfort, and safety in the water. A fundamental rule is to buy a swimsuit suitable for your child’s current size. It should fit snugly and comfortably to prevent it from shifting around in the water. Ideally, kids should not be distracted by the constant adjusting and fixing of their swimsuit. Instead, they should focus all their attention on the lesson and teacher. Too loose of a swimsuit will also affect the child’s learning in the water. Loose-fitting swimsuits will absorb more water making it heavier, which causes drag. This in turn hinders the child from learning the correct swim techniques.

2)      The Equipment

Expectations: A pair of goggles will do the trick!

Reality: Quality fitting goggles specially made for ‘children’ is essential for swimming as it allows the child to submerge their face into the water without being afraid of water entering their eyes and causing irritation. It is also highly recommended that your child wears a swimming cap not only for hygiene purposes, but also to protect the hair from the chemicals used in the water.

3)      Learning to Swim is a Walk in the Park

Expectations: Learning to swim is easy! Although most kids will learn how to swim relatively quickly due to their young age and learning capabilities, some will be able to grasp the skill more easily than others, which can leave parents wondering why.

Reality: Back in the days, my swimming teacher would throw me into the deep end in hopes that my survival instincts would kick in. Despite the fact that I magically survived and learned how to swim, this is not always the case. Swimming can be a challenging skill to learn, particularly for kids who have a fear of water. The learning process may vary for each individual, with some kids feeling at ease in the water right from the start, while others may require more time to adapt and become comfortable in the water.

Summary

I hope this article can inform unfamiliar parents who are looking to enroll their child in their first swimming lesson. Setting realistic expectations for yourself as a parent and for your child will ensure a smoother and more enjoyable journey in the water. Please do not hesitate to contact us for more information! Don’t wait, take the plunge and join us today!